Eye For An Eye. Ch. 5 (Ghostface x Reader x Frank Morrison)
Summary: Frank makes a reckless decision during their break in while you deal with the after math of discovering a body. You realize that Sheriff McCall isn’t the only one interested in questioning you.
A/N: I missed yall of course , I enjoyed writing this chapter. Thank you for the messages and comments. I hope you enjoy (((:
For the first time since their group began terrorizing Ormond , Frank’s stomach churned with anxiety as he drove them to their destination.
Your face kept slipping into his thoughts. The way you gazed at him, eyes guarded but still looking at him with such softness. Even after everything he’s done—who he is, you still look at him the way you did when you both first met in the orphanage.
He couldn’t erase the feeling of your noses brushing again each other. The small breath you took in before begging for him to stay. The disappointment in your face when he again couldn’t say yes.
He should have stayed. He could have stayed.
Why didn’t he just fucking stay?
His eyes were set on the road, repeating the question in his head, jaw locked and hands gripping the steering wheel. Julie paid no mind to the older teen’s tensed posture, messing with her car radio. Her own demeanor was the opposite, relaxed while leaning back once the station she turned to satisfied her.
It was her idea to take the smaller vehicle. Her parents had just bought it few weeks ago for her 18th birthday and she figured it was less known by the sheriff, lessening the chances of them being stopped.
In the back of the car, Susie was basically curled into herself, tugging at the ends of her sleeves and glancing at every car that happened to be out at this time of night. Joey excitedly bounced his knee next to her and was leaning forward between the driver and passenger seat.
“Jeez Joey, relax. I’ve never seen you so excited.” Julie grinned. Joey nodded his head with the same energy as his knee and gripped onto the driver seat , shaking it slightly.
“Hell yeah. I wish I could see that assholes face when he opens the shop tomorrow and sees the mess we’re going to leave.” Joey looks at Frank, waiting for a reaction, or really, a sign of approval from the older male.
“I thought we were just stealing some cash.” Susie finally pipes up, having not said a word since they picked her up, eyes darting between her three friends anxiously. “That’s..that’s what you said, right Frank ?”
They all look at Frank. They always did. It was part of their deal as the legion, as much as Julie tries to deny it, even she stares at Frank. Waiting to see what he has to say about what goes. He finally speaks.
“No stupid moves.” Franks locks eyes with Julie, daring her to object. “We get the cash. In and out.”
Susie posture relaxes slightly while Joey and Julie shoulders deflate in disappointment. But once those grinning masks were slipped on and they all managed to break into the side door with Joeys knowledge of the faulty doorknob and a twist of Franks pocket knife—there was an air of excitement buzzing through them again.
Joey lead them through the aisles towards the front where the counter was located. Frank made sure he was the last one, following close behind as he took in the surroundings.
The store was quiet and still inside. The only source of light was from outside, the large sign that glowed above the front doors, the fluorescent lights giving Joey enough to see as he begin messing with the register.
Frank watched for a moment, glancing at Susie as she begin to pace in front of the counter. She had her attention on the glass windows as though expecting a car to pull into the parking lot at any moment. Her own anxiety beginning to rub off on him as he can’t refrain himself from growing impatient when Joey struggles with the lock.
“Shit.” Joey mutters, slipping his mask up. “I can’t see shit in this, hold on.”
Julie rolls her eyes and leans back against the front of the counter. Her sticky fingers already grabbed a candy bar from the many snacks that decorated under it. It was a small unimportant thing but it only furthered Frank’s impatience.
He knew it was her own way of going against his orders. Before he liked the rebellion in the blonde, it’s what drew him to her. But not tonight. Something was different.
“I don’t think the mask is the problem.” She sighs as she takes a bite from the chocolate bar.
Frank head tilts towards the corner of the store when a sound suddenly broke through the quiet surface. A hum of a radio.
Stay. You said. Please.
Frank grimaced to himself, picturing the furrow of your eyebrows at the sight of his hesitation.
“Frank?” Julie says sharply and he snaps his attention from the sound to her. “This idiot can’t get it open. Use your knife—”
A door creaked in the back. The noise was too loud. Wrong. Susie gasped softly when a janitor stepped out, pushing a mop bucket before him. He was older, eyes looking exhausted from the many years of cleaning the same floors and shelfs in the tiny shop.
He froze at the sight of them.
“Hey..” he said in surprise, placing the mop against the wall. The masks seemed to be barely registering in his mind, or maybe the sight of Susie; plaid skirt and baggy sweater has his guard down. “The stores closed..You kids shouldn’t be in here.”
Kids. Frank anxiously twirls the closed knife in his hand. The nickname settling and lodging a sudden deep feeling of disgust to grow inside.
Does he not see them as a threat?
The janitor eyes fall on Joey. The realization clicks into place. “Joey? ”
“Stay back.” Frank orders. His fingers snaps the knife open in one swift motion. Everyone tenses up.
“Shit.” Joey fumbles with his mask and looks at Frank then Julie. “Shit I’m fucked !”
“Look. I don’t want any trouble” He says slowly. His voice was shaky, eyes beginning to dart between the four. Uncertain.
It satisfies Frank.
“Then stay the fuck back. And let us get what we want and we’ll be out of here soon.”
“Joey, if you and your friends just leave, I won’t say anything—“
“Shut the fuck up.” Frank snaps, pointing the knife at him.
“Come on.” Susie hisses , pulling on Frank’s arm. He only pushes her away, and she turns to Julie in desperation. “Let’s do what he says, let’s go. This is stupid!”
Julie doesn’t say anything. She shifts on her feet, not knowing who to focus on. Joey continues to mutter under his breathe, that buzz from minutes earlier now turning into dread. But for Frank, his excitement only grew as the fear in the man’s face was evident.
“I just gotta take care of something real quick. And I’ll come back.” He had said.
The janitor eyes move from Frank, towards Joey then towards the door he had exited. Frank knows what he’s thinking.
“Frank.” Julie warns, also noticing the man’s attention.
“Don’t even think about it.” He snaps but the janitor seemed set. He rushed towards the door and Frank didn’t think. He moved before the rest of the legion could react, following close behind the man.
It all happened so fast.
The man’s yelp rang through the empty store. Sharp and final. His body slamming against the closed door. Franks knife marking its spot inside his neck. He twisted it before pulling it out, blood splattering on both his hands and the wall before him.
The sight egged him on. He couldn’t stop. The knife repeatedly assaulted the man’s back before he felt himself be pushed back. The janitors last ounce of strength nearly knocked Frank off his feet.
Frank stepping back in both awe and disgust as he watched the janitor stagger, his gurgles the only source of noise as they all watched in silence, before he slumped to the ground. He held onto his throat, desperately staring up at Frank, his eyes pleading and full of horror.
I swear to you, I’ll come back. Frank had promised.
You didn’t say much. A simple Okay. Your eyes were guarded, not fully accepting his promise. Like you knew he wouldn’t keep the promise.
You knew that Frank was capable of fucking up again.
Frank sucked in a sharp breath. For the first time all night, the anxiety subsided.
“Oh my god.” Susie made a broken sound, covering her mouth as a sob escaped. It broke him out the trance. He looked back at the group.
All their masks were off, exposing a group of teenagers, watching him then the struggling man who was attempting to crawl. Julie stepped forward, her eyes glimmering with such awe. She didn’t look scared so he shoved the knife towards her. And she got the hint.
Julie shoved a final blow to the man’s neck, before pulling back with a soft gasp. His chest heaved one last time then stilled, and that final action finally broke Susie’s restraint as her sobs escaped. It filled the empty space.
“No no no no …oh my god oh my god. Frank! ” She cries and Frank finally looks her in the eye. Her hands gripped the roots of her hair tightly.
“What did you do!?”
~~~~
“What is wrong with you?” Your mother yells, her eyes holding an expression that only deepened the knife of shame that was embedded into you since you were born.
You could only listen as her sobs grew quiet , the sounds of sirens drowning it out. Your eyes couldn’t tear away from the sight of your bloody hands, fingers trembling not from fear, but adrenaline.
“What did you do?”
You snapped your head up. Your body tenses up at the accusation. Though, the voice wasn’t your mothers this time.
Instead it was the Sheriff, who sat across from you.
A metal table separated the two of you. The interrogation room was small. The pale walls had some stains in them. It smelled like burnt coffee and was stuffy enough that the warm layers you had on were beginning to itch.
Fluorescent lights buzzed overhead, casting a sickly yellow light over your features and making them stand out to Sheiff McCall. Your eyes were red rimmed and glassy, eye bags more prominent as your skin was sickly paled. You looked smaller to him now, hollowed out as your soft features that usually carried a small smile were now blank.
A folder was laid out in front of him. His pen tapped on the table as he watched you closely. His calloused hands rubbed the stubble on his beard as he glances down at his neat writing.
You blink away the memory but looking at your hands, that were still stained but less fresh, almost pulled you back in.
“What..” You clench and unclench your fingers, shaking your head. Wait, what did he ask again?
He sighs and leans forward to rest his arms on top of the table. His eyes held sympathy. A look you weren’t sure you were comfortable with.
“You said you went outside because of a noise.. and you noticed Jenny’s back door was open then..” he clears his throat. “What did you do?”
Oh.
The mess in the living room. The broken glass. The blood on the floor. The blood on the walls..on your hands and..and..
The body. You couldn’t remember exactly what you did after you found her. It was all scattered, like different pieces of a puzzle you were trying to find to make it whole.
There were some you could place together. Your hands slipping from trying to push yourself up fully from the floor as you dragged yourself back, away from the body. Lungs constricting from the shrieks you continued to let out as you finally managed to escape the house.
You couldn’t remember clearly. Did you call the police? No. You couldn’t even let out any words as a neighbor pulled themselves out of bed and came out to check what all the noise was about.
The next thing you remember was three police cars showing up and an ambulance, a scene very rare that caused for the rest of the neighborhood to take residence in their porches.
You were in the back of an ambulance. There was caution tape. There was the sight of police offices going in then out of the home. Suddenly the sheriff was in front of you and placing his jacket on you. Shes in shock A paramedic had said to him. Then you were in the back of a police car.
Blood.
There was blood. So much blood.
You shut your eyes close for a second and take in a deep breathe. The metal chair felt cold under you. Another sigh escapes his lips, filling the small room.
“Kid..I know this is hard. But I need you to walk me through it one more time. The parts that are clearest.”
Your voice comes out hoarsed from the screaming earlier, pushing through the pit in your stomach as you allow yourself relive it again. “Um..I went inside. I saw everything thrown around the living room and..”
You swallow hard. “I slipped.. I slipped on... It was blood..it was everywhere..and then I saw..”
“Take your time.” He says softly.
Some tears escaped and you didn’t have the strength to wipe them away as you finally answer. There was no point in holding in a sob anymore. The image stuck on your mind.
“I saw her body..” You breathe shakily. “Jenny..she was lying there in the hallway and she wasn’t moving.”
“Kid” He tries, but you barely notice it.
“She was just lying there. There was so much blood and she was just there, she wasn’t moving or..god I didn’t even check on her body, but I knew she was dead..” You cried and finally looked at him. “I just knew , I knew he did something to her. He hurt her sheriff. He did this to her.”
He stayed quiet for a moment, studying your face before finally setting his pen down. He leaned back in his chair. “John didn’t do this.”
“What?” You exhaled in disbelief. “He did..Everyone knows how he was, how could you even think it’s not-“
“The victim wasn’t Jenny.” He finally states and your words get caught in your throat. “It was John.”
It didn’t land right away. Your mind replaying what you saw in the hallway, remembering how sure you were that it was Jenny. You knew the moment you saw the body. You saw her, it was her. But..
It was too dark. All the lights were off and you didn’t see their face. You only saw the shape of the body. Contorted in a way that you only saw the back of it. It finally hit.
“No..” You whisper. “That’s not—but..”
You stopped, confused and horrified all at once. It didn’t make any sense. “He was suppose to be gone. Jenny said he had a business trip.”
His expression didn’t change. “He never left.”
You squeezed your eyes shut, a wave of relief mixed in with guilt caused for a sudden tightness in your chest and throat. You struggle to speak, “does that mean—Jenny, is she..? She’s okay? I didn’t check the rest of the house , I ran. Was she okay?”
At this, the sheriff finally looked away from you and down at his folder. He licked his teeth, smacking his lips and exhaled deeply. His expression was unreadable now, hesitating as though he thinking how to deliver his next sentence.
“We can’t locate Jenny.”
Any sort of relief was ripped away as you stared at him.”what?”
“We checked the house, and the property around. Jenny wasn’t found. Her car was gone as well. We called around and no one has seen her since—“
“She’s missing?” You interrupt, barely processing it all. “So someone has her? Shouldn’t you guys be looking around town? She could be hurt, or she could be dead or..or..”
Their was shift in his face and demeanor. There was no more sympathy. It was the same tension he held the many times you seen him talk to Frank when he knew the boy was lying about something. As though he was holding in a question or statement that would break through whatever facade was being presented.
He exchanged looks with the deputy that was standing near the door. “Look..did Jenny ever make any comments to you about leaving town? Or did she ever talk to you about her issues with John?”
The words lit a spark in you. No. You should’ve known that sympathy was only a trick. Suddenly the walls felt closer than before.
“She didn’t do this.” Your voice doesn’t waver, growing louder. “No. You guys are wrong.”
“We always think we know someone but you never-“
“No!” You snap , slamming your hands on the table and the deputy behind you straightens. “I know. Jenny isn’t that type of person. She would never do something like this.”
“A body was found.” His voice goes stern, matching the intense eye contact. “John is dead and the only other person who was suppose to be there is Jenny. And she can’t be located. Her car and belongings are gone. These are possibilities we have to consider. We aren’t saying she’s guilty.”
“Yes you are.” You suddenly hate the way his jacket feels on you, shrugging it off and letting it fall on top of the chair. “And it’s wrong. You. Are. wrong.”
“She’s a person of interest as of now. And we need any information we can get. Anything that can help us know where to look. Figure out who did this.” He states.
“It seems like you already have that figured out.“ You repeat sourly.
“Kid ..please I understand this is hard for you. I really do.” The look of sympathy reaches his eyes again. “I hate that you had to walk into something like that.”
Bullshit. Why would he care? You were just an incompetent witness in his eyes. That look he threw you and his voice changing to a tone of vigilance, as though he was afraid of spooking you. Like he didn’t want to push you too far. He was treating you like a child.
You look down at your hands again. They were covered in blood, streaks smudged all the way up to your elbows. Your sweatshirt and pajama pants didn’t escape from any of it either. Dried flecks decorated the materials.
What child would look like this?
With his jacket now not covering the crime scene on your clothes, the sheriff seemed to have taken in the sight and he checked his watch as an excuse to not face it.
“I’m sorry for holding you here for so long, kid. Especially in the condition you’re in..” He starts and you dont look him in the face. “I’ll have one of my men take you home. Get cleaned up, take time to rest and I’ll contact you soon if there’s anything else.”
You’re not needed anymore.
You stood up, the fight in your body disappearing. You felt so tired. You were about to turn away when the sheriff speaks once again.
“But if you know anything that can help us. Anything you noticed. Something that could help us. Please reach out, okay?”
A folded map. The envelope and the bag of clothes in her back seat.
You walk through the door. The weight of everything returned as you walked down the narrow hallway, not from the blood that covered your hands and arms or the body, but from the idea that Jenny was alone somewhere. Already being turned into a story that didn’t belong to her.
A deputy walked close behind but you pretend to not notice, ignoring the stares from some familiar faces sitting in the lobby of the police station. Your eyes stayed glued ahead of you, focused on the glass doors.
“Is Sheriff McCall in?” an all too familiar voice broke through your bubble. Jed was standing in front of the front desk, almost towering over the counter but his hunched and polite demeanor didn’t make it look intimidating.
His hair was pulled back into a low bun, exposing the pen behind his ear, kept in place by his glasses. He was holding a notebook and a tape recorder by his side, along with a camera that was wrapped around his neck.
“…just a quick word ma’m. I’m Jed Olsen, Ormond Gazette, passing through. Heard the call on the call scanner and figured I can get ahead of any false stories being told..” his voice trails off as you start to tune it out. The receptionist seems to be amused, or easily distracted by his face, clearly charmed as she lets out a small laugh at whatever you had missed him saying.
He really looked the part. A curious reporter who wanted inside scoop on his next big story. He really wasn’t lying when he said something would come up for him.
But why this? There was some embarrassment at the fact that you were involved in a way. Now he was going to see you in a different light you were hoping to escape from. He’s going to see you covered in blood and he’s going to know.
As though sensing eyes on him, he turned his head your direction. You make eye contact and the recognition in his facial features has you forcing yourself to look away and duck your head.
Shit.
You glance up as the glass doors into the police station are pushed open and Frank comes rushing in. He looks almost disheveled as you, minus the blood. Blonde strands sticking up from his fingers abusing them.
He reaches you in three long strides, hands already coming up to take hold of your shoulders as he takes in your appearance.
“Jesus Christ” he breathes, his eyes trailing from your face to your sweater, then finally landing on your arms. His face crumbles a little bit. He yanks off his leather jacket off and wraps it around you in one swift motion. It carried his warmth, the smell of cigarettes he was chain smoking outside the police station minutes before and cheap cologne engulfed your frame.
His usual scowl returns to his face as he eyes up the sheriff that was following close behind. “You assholes were just going to leave her leave like this? You couldn’t fucking cover her up. A fucking sweater or a blanket? Bunch of useless asshol-“
“Frank.” Sheriff McCall finally steps into the lobby, no look of surprise on his face at the sudden appearance or outburst. “I’m glad you’re here. How about you stop harassing my men and come inside so we can talk.”
Frank froze mid step as he was already steering you towards the glass doors. He turned slowly, eyes narrowing into something dangerous. The feeling of blood that painted his skin hours earlier still fresh on his mind.
“Talk?” He scoffs. “Why the fuck would I do that? She’s covered in blood. I need to get her home.”
“One of my men will stay with her.” He narrows his eyes, beginning to crack from the lack of manners. He steps asides, making it clear to the both of you that it wasn’t a question. “Protocol, Frank. It won’t take long.”
Frank hesitates at first and you prepare to hear a few more insults to fly out his mouth but he resigns, taking a quick look at you. “I’ll be back.”
It sounds familiar. Echoing his words from the night before. Why did that feel so long ago?The memory felt so faded , like in a different timeline instead of just a few hours earlier.
You could only nod, holding the ends of his jacket closer to your chest as you watch him disappear behind the door before you walk to one of the many empty seats and sit down.
Your hands still trembled a bit, gripping onto his jacket like a lifeline. You couldn’t even grip onto a single thought to keep you grounded. Your mind felt like it was scattered around and there was pieces of it on the floor and your hands were too slippery to grip onto a single one to bring you back into who you were before the discovery.
Or maybe you were afraid to face any of it. The reality of it all. Where was Jenny? Did she finally decide it was time to leave?
Did she do it? No. That didn’t matter to you. As much as the sheriff tried to highlight the importance of Jenny’s involvement, you only really cared for one thing. The one question that you could hold onto.
Why did she leave you behind?
“Hey..y/n?”
You snap out of your focus on the floor tiles as the chair nexts to you creaks slightly and look towards the source of the voice.
Jed watched you closely, the small leather notebook you’ve noted earlier in his hands. The tape recorder was in the other.
“I’m Jed Olsen.” He says. It sounded almost rehearsed, easy but..off. “Im a journalist. I was hoping to ask you a few questions, off the record, if you’ll like.”
For the first time in 12 hours, you allow yourself to let out a small laugh. It was rough, a rather harsher sound but you allow yourself to release some tension. The absurdity of the situation was beginning to pull at you.
“Somehow we keep meeting in an even weirder situation than the last.” You finally say softly, bringing a knee up to your chest and hugging it tightly. Leaning your cheek against the top of your knee as you glance at him.
Jed lets out a small chuckle of his own.His expression shifted , a small smile pulling at his lips. The professional sharpness he presented dulled, bringing back the soft demeanor you faced before.
“Sorry. Bad habit.” He states as he shakes the notebook in his hand. He slides it back into his pocket, like he’d never meant to use it.
“It’s okay.” You shrug, bitterly adding, “You’re not the first person to ask me questions. And won’t be the last.”
“Hey. You don’t owe anyone anything. But with what you saw, it makes you important in other peoples eyes.” He says.
Important. That felt wrong. How could you be so important? All you did was walk into something at the wrong time. You didn’t matter in this story. What mattered was Jenny.
“I don’t want to be important.” You assure and his expression shifts but you can’t pinpoint what it was.
“Most people don’t.” He leans back against the seat, eyes still focused on you.
“I don’t want to be a part of whatever rumors this town is going to spread.” You stare back at your hands. “I don’t want her to either..whatever they say about her..I can’t stand to hear it.”
“Jenny..right?” He asks softly and you nod. “Small towns tend to get loud when things like this happen. Stories starting moving faster then the truth.”
Your jaw tightens and Jed studies you. “You don’t think she did it, do you?”
“No.” You say immediately, “She wouldn’t do this. I don’t care what the sheriff or anyone has to say. They want to turn her into something…something ugly. And she’s not. Not like everyone else in this town, not like..”
Like me. You don’t say it. You swallow that down hoping it could just disappear. As long as you don’t say, it wouldn’t be true , right?
Jed nods slowly. “That’s usually how these stories go. But for what’s it’s worth, I don’t buy that version of the story. Not without proof.”
You blink at him in surprise, dropping your knee and turning to him. “Really?”
He nods and you want to let out a sob of relief.
“I’ve sat in a few interrogations. Stories that get twisted fast, words turning into something that’s not even close to the truth.” His voice stays soft, and you cling onto every word. “Cops mean well, but they look for quick answers. Something that fits the report.”
You swallow hard, not speaking but listening. Really listening. His voice drops a bit, just enough to feel private, a secret between the both of you.
“Not me though. I always try to get the real story here anything else. Make sure people’s voices are heard. Not the version that looks perfect on paper.”
Jed reaches into his pocket and pulls out a simple white business card, sliding it between the two chairs without touching you. “If you ever need someone to talk to, someone without a badge, you can call me. No pressure. On or off record.”
You stare at the card, his name in bold letters against the paper, and you close your fingers around it. Your breathe catches, a small shift that you didn’t recognize moving in you before the moment is broken by a door banging open.
Frank stormed on, shoulders set and eyes already scanning the lobby like his mind was set on one thing. They sharpened once they set on Jed, sitting to close to you, posture too relaxed for his liking. They soften once they land on you a second after.
He seem to swallow down whatever displeasure he felt from the scene, reaching you and already holding out his hand for you to take.
“Come on.” He says softly, not glancing at Jed again as he guides you towards the glass doors once again. His grip firm but gentle, like he was afraid you’ll break if he moved to fast. Jed simply smiled politely which you returned quickly, nodding at the both of you as you finally exit the building you were stuck in for hours.
~~~
The reflection in the mirror mocked you. Your glassy eyes were slightly puffy, squinting from how bright the light in your bathroom was. Small blemishes of a fading red marked your nose and left cheek from you absently rubbing the tears from your face through the night.
It almost seemed like a dream—or a memory. The sight reminded you of a younger version of you that you buried deep in the back of your mind, away from the surface.
It was going to stay there.
You peeled off the clothes, tossing them to the side and quickly make work in turning the shower on. The knob was twisted all the way to hot and the pipes groaned before the water came. The water hit your shoulder, back and your hair.
You felt the warm water pool down your skin, down your legs and arms and dripping down to the bottom of the tub. You shut your eyes tightly at first, knowing that the water wouldn’t be clear as it went down the drain.
The soap was the only object you focused on, rubbing it on your hands and rubbing it over your body. Scrubbing away at skin, ignoring the way the water was beginning to burn and how raw the act was beginning to feel. It seemed like forever before you could down.
It was still there. Fainter now, less visible. A shadow under the surface.
Your breath hitches.
“Stop.” You press your forehead against the shower tile. The hot water pounded against your back as you tried to breathe.
“It wasn’t me.” You say before getting more soap and scrubbing harder. It took a while but slowly, the blood begin to fade to nothing but the feeling didn’t. You stared as the water around your feet begin to clear up.
But you knew better to think you got rid of it. The memory clung to you, it wasn’t something you could shake off. Even as you turned off the water and the bathroom got colder than before, the memory clung tighter onto you.
Deep down, that feeling you kept hidden begin to break through. You weren’t sure if was fear. It was touched again tonight and it touched you back.
And it wasn’t done with you yet.
Frank paced slowly around the room. It was three paces from the window to your bed, turn and two paces from your bed to your bedroom door. He repeated about 10 times before finally forcing himself to sit on the end of your bed.
You had been quiet the whole car ride, staring out the window as though searching for something. He even thought that it seemed like you were looking for Jenny, hoping to catch a glimpse of her somewhere. Anywhere.
The house had been quiet when you both arrived, no sight of your foster parents. Frank wasn’t surprised they didn’t bother to be home to greet you, rather to clock into their shifts than deal with their only source of extra income problems. You didn’t seem to mind, focusing on making your way to your bedroom and into the bathroom.
The bathroom door was still closed. The shower had been running for quite some time. A little longer than usual.
Frank rubbed his face, laying back onto your bed.
I should’ve came back sooner.
The thought wouldn’t leave him alone. It stuck with him when he first turned into your neighborhood earlier that morning. The police lights and caution tape surrounding Jenny’s front porch didn’t really phase him. Only when he tried going up your porch and they had stopped him, did he realize how late he was.
After they had murdered the janitor and Julie managed to calm Susie down from a panic attack, Frank had acted fast. He nearly slapped some sense into Joey, who also couldn’t control his emotion. It came like second nature to Frank, planning the next two hours of their adventure.
Julie and Susie cleaned up the mess while Frank and Joey carried the body out to the car. He made sure to grab some trash bags from the stores storage closet to shut Julie up about making a mess in her trunk. Once they were certain the shop looked untouched, they drove far out, up the mountains near the resort only the group hung out at.
They buried his body. It wasn’t as easy as Frank seen in movies. Shit , they didn’t even have shovels. But they managed to make it work through the many sobbing outbursts that took over Susie and Joeys own sluggish pace.
It was nearly 5 am when they finally drove back in silence. Once half way to Susie’s neighborhood, Frank spoke up.
“We need to have alibis.” He states. “A story that we all stick to no matter what.”
“What do you mean?” Susie hiccups, she hadn’t stopped crying since the ride started. “You think they’ll find the body?”
“I don’t think they will.” Julie reasssures, looking back at her best friend. She could read Franks mind easily. “But just in case Suz. In the future if someone were to find his body.”
Susie starts crying again, looking away from any of them.
“You think he’ll be reported right away?” Joey speaks up. “I remember he didn’t have any kids or a wife...”
“I doubt your old boss would report it. Just think the old man is missing a few days of work” Frank states. “So we have time. And we need to stay low.”
They all nodded, seeming to believe that their leader could get them out of a mess once again.
Frank stared at the ceiling, the pocket knife feeling heavy in the back of his jeans. It was as heavy as his regret. But the regret didn’t stem from what happened in that store.
No. That felt right. Even if Frank tried to, he couldn’t bring himself to care for the life he had taken the night before. If he could, he would replay that moment over and over again.
What he did regret, was the fact that it had delayed him in coming back in time. If he had been here earlier, he could have stopped you from going outside. Or you wouldn’t have gone inside that home alone. You wouldn’t have been the one walking into that scene. Maybe you wouldn’t be scrubbing off that blood off your skin like it was your fault.
The shower shut off. He sat up, listening. He could hear the shower curtain being pulled aside. Then the sound of your small sniffles and shuffling.
He waited for a while.
The door creaked open. You stood there, an oversized sweater that you had borrowed from him a year ago, before things changed. Your hair hung damp and tangled down your shoulders, clinging onto your neck and collarbone.
You looked smaller somehow.
“You okay?” Frank asks, already knowing the answer. “I mean, fuck I know you’re not but..I’m here. Alright? Whatever the hell you walked into. You can talk to me.”
You rubbed your elbow, biting your lip as you take in his presence in your room. It was hard to not think about the promises he made before everything changed, but you pushed it aside. Because as much as you wanted to ask if he was ever going to come back last night, all you cared was that he was there now.
The old nickname crushes something inside Frank. Frankie. You haven’t called him that for the past year. Not since he left you behind for the new thrill of what the legion brought him. His heart cracked wide open and he finally reaches out, grabbing your hand and pulling you towards him.
He wraps his arm around you and cradles the back of your head as he practically pulls you on his lap. You relax into him, leaning your head on his shoulder as a few more tears slip. Your shoulders shook as begin to cry softly.
“I was suppose to watch a movie with her tomorrow.” You hiccup. “She promised we would eat popcorn and order pizza..and now.I’m so confused.I don’t understand ..”
You pull away and look at him, your breathe hitching as your voice grows more sharp. “They’re saying she’s a suspect, Frank. It doesn’t make any sense. She wouldn’t do something like this..she—it’s Jenny. You know. Everyone knows that John was the one that hurt her and she never hit him back. And now she’s gone.”
“Hey..” he whispers, running his fingers through your damp hair while his other hand caresses your cheek. He tries to be reassuring. “I know. I know. They’ll figure it out eventually. The truth. They’ll find Jenny..and they’ll know.”
You close your eyes for a moment, leaning into his hand as his thumb rubs softly against your cheek and you pretend to listen to him. You pretend that he understood, allowing yourself to bask in the small comfort that he was here with you now.
“I’m here now.” He continues, as though convincing himself of something he held within. “I’m right here and I’m not going anywhere.”
You both stayed like that. Both stained with blood from the night before, unaware that a new beginning was festering.
Eye for an Eye. Ch 4. (Ghostface x Reader x Frank Morrison)
Summary: You bump into a familiar face again, brushing away his ideas of Ormond having something up its sleeve until you’re faced with a gruesome scene.
A/N: I’m sorry yall for disappearing again ! I don’t wanna promise that updates will be regular but I am not giving up on this story. Love ya <33
The smell of rain is what comforts you the most the following week.
It lingers in the air, casting a shadow over the town of Ormond. Claws hovering overhead, teasing its presence as the week rolls by slowly with a grey sky and chilly air that has everyone digging through the back of their closets for forgotten clothes. It was Tuesday and still those claws haven't unclenched themselves to allow the rain to fall. You begin to worry if the Friday before was the off chance of it raining.
You should be thankful though. As much as you love the rain, your walks home from school have doubled in time thanks to your short cut being completely checked off.
It wasn't easy to brush off the cruel prank even if you desperately wanted to. You tried not to give them the satisfaction of seeing you look uneasy on Monday at school, masking a stoic expression. Chris and Sarah walked by you that morning as if your presence blended into the blue paint that covered the school hallway. They all barely glanced your way which would have been normal on a different occasion, but the lack of attention this time was not normal.
You prepared for the whole school to be in on the joke, capitalizing on the prank and ridiculing you even more. Who wouldn't want to start the week off with the juicy details of the town's freak being chased down in the woods? But you were met with silence. The girls in the back of the class instead spoke about their upcoming dates or plans for the weekend ahead.
It should be seen as a blessing. A miracle. Everyone was brushing off the prank and you could- no, should do the same yourself.
But the slight limp in each step and the irritation that shocks through your leg when your jeans brush against the cuts decorating them, didn't allow you to stop it from plaguing your mind.
Those black eyes, standing out against the white mask haunted you. Shivers spread through your arm when you remember it glaring into your skin, the small head tilt as whoever was behind it watched you in amusement.
Were they really that crazy? Where the hell did they even find that ridiculous mask?
Perhaps you were wrong. Maybe there wasn't a knife after all...
You adjust the strap of your backpack on your shoulder, scanning the different containers of milk organized in front of you. The red denim jacket you borrowed from Jenny hugged your body tightly, protecting you with its warmth against the cold air of the refrigerator as you grabbed a small red gallon before shutting the glass door.
The shopping cart creaked as you continued to push it down the aisle, the milk accompanying the rest of the groceries you were ordered to collect after school.
You thought, staring up at the signs hanging above the different aisles, attempting to picture the list in your mind in hopes to remember instead of digging through the many pockets.
“Okay..” You muttered under your breath. “Eggs, butter, milk, and..”
You slowed, eyes skimming the aisles trying to pinpoint that important item. Something important, something you’ll definitely get yelled at for…
Pasta. You proudly remember, making a turn to the right, not paying any mind to the other shopping cart that turned into the aisle you were exiting. Both front ends bumped into each other in a hilariously loud crash, the sudden collision causing you to jerk forward before stepping back in a panic. "oh gosh, I'm sorry!"
You attempted to scoot your shopping cart the side in a hurry, peeking at the other person in shame only to feel your cheeks burn as your embarrassment deepened. The sight of red hair and a familiar handsome face, who looked as surprised as you, had you wishing the floor would open up now.
"Oh!" A soft chuckle escaped the man’s lips as he adjusted his own cart, his shoulders relaxing before he smiles at you. "I guess we’re even."
Eyebrows furrow in confusion at first , you recall the first encounter and try not shrink into yourself even more.
The lack of annoyance or anger surprises you but you don't show it. "At least it wasn't a car this time."
"Oh I would say a shopping cart is just as dangerous." He leans over to adjust the items you managed to knock over. Two wine bottles and a few tv dinners, you note. His tone is light, teasing almost.
It's hard to not let your eyes scan over him, taking in his appearance now that he was no longer being hidden inside a car. His red hair framed his face , barely brushing against his shoulders. A blue flannel covered his slim figure, unbuttoned for all to see the white turtle neck underneath.
He stood out like a spot of ink.
"You're okay?" He asks, putting a pause to your train of thoughts. "No injuries this time?"
"What?" You say quickly. The question caught you off guard as you notice his gaze flicker towards your knee for a brief second. "what do you mean?"
"Looks like you hurt your knee." He states. "You're leaning on your other leg, doesn't look to comfortable."
You blink in surprise. You didn't think you were that obvious, trying so hard to mask your limp.
“Oh yeah..I mean, yes. I'm okay. I'm just clumsy." You shifted your weight, suddenly aware. "I was hoping it wasn't that obvious."
"Sorry, I didn't mean to call it out. It's a habit." He says, letting out a small laugh before pointing at himself. "Journalist. I get paid to pay attention to small details for a living."
Right. You almost forgot why someone like him was doing here in a town like Ormond.
“Any luck on your story?” You ask before you chicken out, enjoying his sudden presence. “You stuck around longer than I thought.”
”Ormond has a lot to offer.” He answers, watching you as you finally push your cart forward, aligning his with yours. “It’s quiet.”
”Is it? ” You glance at him. “I told you, nothing much goes on around here. Nothing interesting.”
“You did.” He says lightly.
“Nothing ever happens. You’re out of luck here. “You state. Jed tilts his head slightly.
“I doubt that.” He states. “That’s when something usually happens.”
The statements sits with you, surprising you. Your cart rolls to a stop again and you hesitate on what to say. You knew you should be heading out soon, having everything on the list but his eyes were fully on you—warm, inviting. His friendly demeanor was different.
He suddenly clears his throat. “Oh. Uh..”
The red head suddenly holds his hand out towards you, a bit awkwardly but you cant help finding it charming. Something about him has you leaning towards him, letting his hand wrap around yours.
"Im Jed."
"Y/N."
Y/N. He repeats softly to himself before smiling. "Nice to officially meet you. Again."
You smile shyly, pulling your hand away quickly and shoving it in your pocket. The blush being from the way he said your name or the fact that he was so polite—you didn’t know. This was probably the time to excuse yourself, the pasta aisle being right in front of you.
But before you could decide whether to end the conversation, a familiar voice cuts between you two.
“Y/N?”
You turn. Bright pink scrubs uniform and curly hair coming into view, Jenny smiles as she stands a few feet down the aisle. Her eyes quickly scan Jed as she walks toward you two with a basket wrapped around one arm.
“Ah I knew I saw your hair earlier.” She playfully pulls a strand of hair, stepping closer to you before putting her attention on the redhead.
Jed straightens, a polite grin already growing on his face. “Hello.”
“Hi.”
“This is Jed.” You quickly answer, noting the small tension you didn’t understand. “He’s visiting Ormond, he’s a journalist.”
“Is he?” She hums, tilting her head and you’re aware that she steps a bit in front of you.
Oh god. You internally groan.
“Guilty.” Jed answers, either ignoring the sharp eyes she’s giving him or he's completely oblivious. You hope it’s the latter but with his profession, you doubt it.
“Well.” She finally says, lifting her basket slightly. “Perfect timing. I was getting more food for your friend.”
Glancing in, you note the different cans of cat food. You soften.
“Thanks!” You grab one and read the flavor. “Hopefully she likes these. I think she’s gotten tired of the turkey.”
“You take care of strays?” Jed asks and you nod.
“One. But she’s hasn’t been eating the food I put the past few days.” You sigh. “Maybe she’ll like these more.”
”She will.” Jenny reassures. “Are you almost done shopping? I can give you a ride.”
”Oh. You don’t have to—“
“It’s nothing,” Jenny cuts you off, placing her basket in your cart. “I’m parked right in front and it looks like it’ll rain soon.”
Jed smile doesn’t falter, he steps back and nods at you two. “Well I’ll leave you two be. It was nice seeing you again. ”
Jenny meets his gaze and smiles tightly, already starting to walk away while you wave shyly as you follow behind your older neighbor. You try not ignore the feeling of his gaze on you as you both disappear into an aisle.
Her car smelled like lavender, a hint of vanilla from the air freshener she used to mask the smell of cigarettes. You climbed onto the passenger seat. The relief of sitting and putting less pressure on your knee has you sighing as you click in your seatbelt.
“So..” Jenny lets out as she begins to drive, pulling away from the lot and makes her way out of downtown. “He’s older.”
”What?” You ask, turning away from the sight of a grey sky and towards her.
“That guy. Jed. He looks older than you. Definitely not from Ormond.”
You huff, crossing your arms once you realize what she was getting at. “And? We just bumped into each other.”
”I know.” She finally laughs, pinching your leg and you pull away. “I’m just saying. I noticed.”
”Notice what?”
“Oh you know..” She sighs. “How handsome he was..how red your cheeks were..how cute you looked, like you wanted the floor to eat you up.”
”Jenny!” You hiss , groaning and covering your face. “Please don’t. You were already acting like such a parent.”
”Hey, it’s my job to tease you and worry about you at the same time.”
You stay silent, ears burning. Jenny taps her fingers to a beat for a few moments before speaking again.
“I don’t trust him.” She starts and you roll your eyes. “But I don’t trust most men.”
You smile at this and look towards her. “He’s just a nerdy journalist, I’m sure he’ll get bored soon once he can’t find anything for a story and high tail out of here.”
”Come on. It’s not that bad. There’s..” She pauses, looking out her driver side window as though searching for something. “Okay. Yeah. There’s nothing.”
You hum and pull your non injured knee up to your chest. “There’s shitty people..and even more shittier people.”
She glances at you. “School still rough?”
You answer with a shrug. “This year they decided I was a slut. Apparently I was whoring myself out over the summer. ”
”Why are teenagers such dicks.” She shakes her head in disgust. “Jeez. Why come up with something like that?”
”Summer was boring probably.”
“What about Frank?”
You stiffen and stare out the window. “He’s..Frank? Always with his new friends and girlfriend.”
“I noticed,” She says, “he hasn’t woken me up in a long time from all that banging on your window.”
You smile. “Yeah. He wasn’t the best at being sneaky.”
Jenny stops at a red light and you shift in your seat, your eyes dropping to your feet and you see a map folded and tucked into the door. Along with an envelope with its contents hidden. As Jenny continues to drive, you carefully glance behind you and see a duffle bag. Clothes were sticking out.
She seemed to have notice your gaze lingering and says easily, “Sorry it’s a mess. I’ve been organizing some things.”
”Oh.”
You didn’t ask anything else. You never did.
“Well you deserve better. From those kids from school, from Frank. From this town”
“Ormond doesn’t change.” You state.
“People can. You can leave this place.” She says.
“I wish it was that easy.” You sigh.
“It can be.”
You go quiet.
“Hey. John's gone this weekend.” She states as she pulls into the driveway. “Work trip. He leaves Friday night. Maybe we can do something on Saturday?”
You blink in surprise and she continues before you can attempt to reject, “Movie night. You. Me. Popcorn and a bunch of candy. And I’ll even order us some pizza.”
”Really?” You finally say.
“Yeah. It’ll be fun.” She smiles and shrugs. You perk up a bit and nod, opening the car door and hop out.
”Okay.”
”Great.” She says, following your actions and grabbing some of her bags from the back. She hands you one of them with the cat food. “Saturday. I promise.”
“I’ll be there.” You finally say, before a shrill of a phone echoes from behind her front door. Jenny turns and starts up the steps.
”Feed the cat.” She says lightly. “And don’t let some handsome stranger distract you.”
You groan, walking away and waving her off. She watches you for a moment, longer than usual before finally heading inside.
The next two days go by faster now with the new plans. You bite down on the excitement, knowing that the plans could be cancel any moment but a part of you trusted her not to.
Friday night arrives and you lay in bed, fingers folding and unfolding the corner of the same page as you attempt to focus on the book that was assigned that week. The words blur together as you play your encounter with Jed over in your head.
A loud tap catches your attention, accompanied by a shadow casting over your window. Your breath catches as you sit up , heart lurching. For a split second, images of that ghostly mask flashing between treats come to mind.
Another tap.
You slowly get up, dropping the book onto the floor as you reach towards your curtain and pull it aside—Short blonde hair covered by a hood and a recognizable neck tattoos has relief flood through you. Frank’s face, illuminated by the street lamps stare back at you as you pull the curtains open wider.
”Frank.” You half hiss, half whisper. The window is pushed open. The wind blowing into your room. “You nearly gave me a heart attack !”
”Sorry..I didn’t think—"
“Yeah. You never do.” You snap before you could stop yourself. He goes silent. The words hanging there, sharper than you intended.
“I deserved that” He states, jaw tightening. You hug yourself, rubbing your arms as you both look at each other.
Frank sighs, stepping closer and places a hand on your window sill. He hates how much distance he feels right now. Usually he would have climbed through, no question whether he was allowed to come inside. But with the way you were looking at him, he knew not to overstep.
“I came to talk.”
You scoff. “I thought we don’t do that anymore.”
“Come on.” He nearly begs. “I’m doing it now. I’m trying.”
”This isn’t trying.” You say. “This is just..you."
Frank hesitates. Silence creeping in, allowing for a faint sound of a car driving by to break it.
“I shouldn’t have said what I said before.” He breaks first. “At school. I shouldn’t have been such an ass to you.”
“You shouldn’t have gotten expelled.” You fire back and Frank exhales sharply.
”I know.”
“And I probably wouldn’t have found out. You would’ve just left school and not bother to tell me anything.” Your voice tightens. “I have to find out from other people what goes on with you, like always—"
”Y/N-“
”Like I’m just someone you use to know. Like I don’t mean shit anymore.” You finally state, tears beginning to swell up before you can blink them away.
”That’s not—“
“You’ve been doing this for a year now, Frank.”
He grimaces and shakes his head. “What? Doing what?”
”Ignoring me. Forgetting me.” You list. “You got new friends, new girlfriend, new things to do. And I just..fall off. Things are different.”
“That’s not fair.” Frank voice breaks. “I’ve called you. I’ve came by many times and you begin to push me out.”
”Why? So you can make plans then cancel them last minute because you had to go to some party or tag a new building.”
”I just...” He trails off, the guilt beginning to swallow him. He looks away for brief second and sighs, rubbing the side of his face. “Julie and them..they’re different.”
You ignore the pang of hurt that echoes in your chest, swallowing it down. It was the truth, you knew this.
”Clearly.” You bitterly agree.
“You’re not them.” He continues, looking at you. His eyes were tired. He looked worn out, like something has been pulling at him nonstop. “You’re better than them. Than me. I know everything that we do isnt you. I never wanted to involve you in it because..you’re too good for it.”
Your tension disappears, his words brushing away that hurt from your chest. “Frank..”
“I thought I was doing good by separating you and them. I didn’t realize what was happening. I miss us.” He admits.
Another silence follows. A more gentle one. You allow yourself to step forward, leaning on the window as well. The smell of cigarettes and cheap cologne engulf you as you’re closer to him. You can’t help but think about how much you missed it.
“You hurt me.” You say softly.
“I know.” He states, full of regret. He leans in, and you could see the scar near his eyebrow that you gave him when you both were kids. “I’m not good at saying sorry. But I am sorry. For everything.”
He places his hand on top of yours on the window sill and you note how close your faces are. You swallow hard, watching him.
“You still hate my plan?” You remind him and he shakes his head, eyes falling to your lips before gazing at your eyes.
“I didn’t mean anything I said.” He says. “It’s our plan.”
“Really?” You sound too hopeful but you don’t care. You missed this so much.
Frank nods and leans his forehead against yours and everything just feels..normal again. Although you knew that he still has his legion, and some things won’t be forgotten—this was what you wanted. To have Frank by your side again.
Your noses are basically brushing against each other and you suck in a breath.
“Stay.” You finally let out. “Stay the night. Please? "
Frank hesitates and the reality crashes in. You pull away, disappointment settling in once again.
“I can’t.” He watches as you pull away from him, gripping onto your hand so you don’t go to far. “But..I’ll come back in a few hours. I just gotta take care of something real quick. And I’ll come back.”
“Sure.” You murmur and Frank tightens his hold.
“I promise.” His voice cracks. “I swear to you. I’ll come back. Stay up and wait for me. I won’t fuck it up. Please.”
The desperation in his voice has you pausing, slumping your shoulders and nodding.
“Okay.”
You lay in bed once again. The book has once again been forgotten, opened and faced down on your thighs as you tried to force your eyes to stay open.
Those claws had finally unclenched themselves. Rain thrumming along the roof like impatient fingers.
The clock on your nightstand mocked you, bright red numbers glowing in your otherwise dark room.
12:48 am
Each minute dragged its feet. Your chest tighten at the idea of him lying, your pitiful hope once again being your own enemy. It was a familiar ache, the kind you found yourself in a cycle with most of your childhood.
No. He said a few hours. So he should be here any time now, he never said an exact time. So you shouldn’t feel hopeless yet. You continue to tell yourself this, as your eyes begin to slowly flutter, slumber attempting to pull you under.
The faint murmur of the fan in your foster parent’s room ran through the walls, the small hum and the stillness of the home pushes you further. Your head rolls to the side as you think. Once he’s here, he’ll just wake me up.
You finally close your eyes
Something scrapes outside. Your eyes snap open, your breath catching. Sitting up from your bed, you instinctively look at your window. Waiting.
The sound came again, louder this time. As though someone shoe was scraping against the pavement, before the small noise of the trash can near your window being pushed slightly. You get up from the bed and move towards your window, pushing open the curtains as you try to glance out into the night.
“Frank?” You whisper, pushing the glass up, peeking your head out not caring for the fast drops of rain hitting your face. Your gaze moved left and right, but no sight of anything. There’s was no one. Frowning, you move back to shut the window again but something shifts.
Small movement to your right, towards the fencing that separated your home from Jenny’s. You stare at the empty space where you saw the movement before, attempting to make out anything shape or shift. Another noise, this time farther. On the other side of the fence.
You swallow hard. Okay. Weird. Maybe it’s a raccoon, or a possum. It could be anything. Or..You feel a bit of hope. Maybe it’s the stray. Did she finally come back after that long adventure of hers that kept her from coming to your garage to get her meals you lay out for her? The sudden thought of her returning has you quickly slipping your shoes on.
A random sweater on the floor gets thrown on , hoodie pulled over your head, before you quietly make your way down the hallway, clicking the door open as softly as you can. Slowly, you exit the garage and towards the side of the house.
Rain soaked your sweater in seconds but you marched through it, tightening the sweater on you and covering your face as you tried to look around the grass.
“Kitty..” you whisper, smacking your lips together to try to get its attention. You search behind the trash cans, even opening the lid to look inside but see nothing. “Shoot..”
A soft sound catches your attention again, your feet gravitating towards it. It leads to you the back of the house , the sight of small wooden fixture in the far corner of Jenny’s yard catches your eye , the fence blocking you from it.
Jenny wouldn’t mind. You grab on the top of the gated fence, pushing your foot into an open space and pushing yourself over. Moving towards the fixture, more small sounds escape from it. Small mewing before a familiar meow blesses your ears.
“Oh..” you whisper to yourself when you peek inside and see the stray, surrounded by blankets and a bowl of water near it. She wasn’t alone, smaller versions of her were latched onto her stomach, and you realize that you were right before. Her kittens paid no mind to you, too focused on their own meal while she gazes up at you.
She leans into your palm as you pet her head gently, scratching behind her ear.
“You must be so tired” You pout. “I missed you.”
She meows softly, her paw reaching out as she stretches, her babies protesting with their small sounds. You think of waking up Jenny, excited to show her the new addition to your makeshift family but you notice the sudden tension that takes hold of the small feline, her eyes shifting to behind you.
You turn your head, Jenny’s backyard empty but her back door was wide open. Her porche light was flickering like it was in its wits end, holding on desperately.
Weird. Did Johnny get drunk again and forgot to close the door? No. Jenny said he was leaving Friday night. He should be gone by now. Maybe it was a mistake from earlier and Jenny didn’t notice when she came home from her night shift.
Making your way towards the back porch, all the lights were off inside the home, the only source of light being from the faint glow of the porch light.
It was late. She was probably asleep. There was always tomorrow to check on her and scold her about her forgetfulness but something felt..off.
You stepped inside slowly, scanning the small kitchen. Everything seemingly looked in place, until you noted her telephone was hanging from its place on the wall. A constant beeping filling the silence as you pick it up and placed it back.
“Jenny?” You call out softly. No answer.
You move from the kitchen towards the living room. It was a mess. The coffee table had been knocked over, laying on its side as the continents such as newspapers, a vase and empty cups scattered along the floor. Pieces of glass littered among the floor. Your breath gets caught in your throat.
No.
“Jenny?” You say again more forcefully, shaking as you take in the scene. Every instinct told you to run but you couldn’t.
You pull yourself away from the living room and towards the hallway, being careful to not step on anything, afraid of breaking the dead silence. Your heart hammered against your chest as every scenario possible ran through your head.
John hurt her bad this time. He did this. He threw a tantrum, broke many things once again and—
A gasp rips through you, a sudden wetness under your foot causing you to slip, throwing you forward and landing on your knees.
Your hands hit the floor, sliding across some of it as you try to steady yourself. You bring your hands up to your face in horror, registering the dark red that stained your hands.
There was puddles of it. All over the floor, streaks of the liquid, warm and glossy. Trailing through the long stretch of the hallway.
You follow the trail with your eyes before they land on something wrong. A shape laid on the floor. Someone. They were still. Too still.
It’s as though you were in denial at first, but once the body came into view, it forced the reality. It all came head first. The metallic smell. Flooding your senses all at once.
No. No. No No No
Blood.
You scramble backward, breathe coming in sharp, broken gasps. Ears rang, your stomach lurched forward as you held back the urge to gag. Your chest tight as you try to let out a desperate sound, a sob, a gasp, you don’t know.
Eye For An Eye Ch. 3 (Ghostface X Reader X Frank Morrison)
Summary: Frank struggles with the Legion questioning his role in their group and you come face to face with a ghostly figure.
A/N: sorry this took so long to come out ! Updates may be random but I’ll try my best to update every week if work from now on if doesn’t kick my ass lol. I hope you enjoy <33
I’m all out of hope
One more bad dream
Could bring a fall…
A flame flickered weakly, barely standing for a second before disappearing once again. Despite Frank’s thumb aggressively pushing down on the lighter with no break, it didn’t seem to plan to make an appearance again. It mocked the older teen, the abuse ending when he finally threw it towards the passenger seat.
“Fuck.” Frank hisses. He lets the cigarette sit between his lips as he leans back in his seat defeated and looks out his window. He was parked near a stop sign in a corner. Street lights flickering on as he takes in the view of the whole street.
It was dark enough now that most people were already home from work, a few houses had their porch lights on and he could make out shadows moving around behind closed curtains. One particular window had his attention set on it, the baby blue curtains— that he’s pushed aside many times to sneak through— were lit up by a warm yellow light.
He watched for a moment, hoping to catch any movement. A glimpse of a silhouette that would indicate that you were in your room. Anything that would let his imagination run wild of what you could be doing.
Were you in bed already? He sees you laying on your stomach, ankles crossed in the air as you read your favorite book. A view he would always admire from where he was sat on your bedroom floor, supposed to be focused on something entirely else but his eyes couldn’t leave you.
Would you be reading a new book that you borrowed from the public library or were you rereading that one Stephen king novel that he stole for you?
Or maybe you were sitting at your desk, working out the ridiculous long math equations that Mr. Brown always assigned on Fridays? No. You were always the type to try to finish it that same night even if you had all weekend.
When I’m far from home
Don’t call me on the phone
To tell me you’re alone..
There was nothing. No movement. No shadows. Only Steve’s car was in the drive way, but there was no sight of a bike or roller skates littered across the pavement that directed toward your home.
There was no sign of you anywhere. It made Frank feel restless, it seemed wrong. But there was also nothing in Frank. Nothing to give him the excuse, or even the courage to get out of his truck and make his way to the side of the house.
Nothing for him to knock on the glass and hope that you would open it for him, like you have many times before.
It’s easy to deceive
It’s easy to tease
But hard to get release…
The music that was the only sound in the silent cold night cuts shorts as the cassette tape is ripped from its place in the car stereo, thrown aside just like the lighter before. It had been a gift that he cherished but now only further pushed the empty feeling in his chest.
He had nothing but to blame himself for it all. The look of hurt replayed in his head as he finally forces himself to start his truck and leave before he did something else that he regretted. The emptiness in his chest begin tightening, twisting and burning into something else.
It grew into a feeling he was all too familiar with, something he was better at dealing with as he drove out of the neighborhood, and towards the other side of town.
~~~~
Frank was fucking angry.
Not only was the headache, that pulsated against his temples every second, but also the chatter between the three teenagers sitting next to him was beginning to piss him off even more. The constant clinking of the fork against the plate nearly had him slamming his hand on top of the Susie’s to stop the damn noise.
Jesus were they always this fucking loud?
“And then he fired me!” Joey groans and bows his head into his hands. His shoulders sank as Susie patted his arm, frowning sympathetically while Julie threw her own spoon down on the plate.
The sound made Frank’s eye twitch and he refrained from nudging the blonde girl’s arm who was basically pressed against him in the small booth.
“Because you were late 5 minutes one time?” She scoffs. “That’s total bullshit Joey and you know that.”
It seemed he wasn’t the only one bothered by the teens noisy conversation, a waitress that had just sat the plate of cheesecake down on their table and was walking away, shook her head as she went back behind the counter and begin to clean the top of it.
The diner was almost empty, expect for the teens and two other customers. The closest to them was sat on a stool in front of said counter, red hair standing out as it covered the persons face who hunched over what seemed to be a notepad, scribbling away.
Another was sat on the opposite side of the restaurant from the teens, a man with a trucker hat and two cups of coffee in front of him. They both seemed to ignore the ruckus, eyes glued on the tv placed on the wall behind the waitress.
In the tiny screen, a news reporter stood in front of a home that was surrounded by police cars and the front lawn decorated with yellow caution tape. Her face was stoic but the slight quiver of her lips betrayed her attempts for the camera.
“..two brutal murders. 24 year old, Dwight Fairfield and 19 year old, Meg Thomas were the recent victims of what many believe a serial killer on the loose. Authorities have yet to make a statement…”
“Frank?”
He tears his eyes away from the two pictures, a scrawny nerdy man with glasses and another of a red head girl who was posing with other two girls, holding medals in running gear.
Susie was staring at him, with a look that she always gives him whenever she notices him not indulging in whatever stupid high school gossip they deemed interesting for the day. The plate of cheesecake was pushed towards him, and Frank refrained from frowning at the act of kindness from her.
She reminded him too much of you. The gentleness the girl held around her. Even when Frank was being a complete asshole to any of them, she never failed to try to make sure things were right. The look of worry she constantly threw towards him in the moments where she wasn’t afraid to make eye contact.
But that was the difference. She was still afraid of him, but you? The intense eye contact you held the day before was proof of that. You were never afraid of Frank.
The look of hurt flashed in his mind again.
“I’m good.” He pushed it back towards her. It came out more aggressive then he wanted but it didn’t go unnoticed as Julie snaps her head towards him. Now, her usual look to Frank not paying attention to them was a mix of annoyance and confusion.
“Whats your deal?”She scowls and he refrains from rolling his eyes at her attitude. “Have you been listening to anything we were saying? About Joey losing his job?”
“Nothing.” He answers flatly, eyes moving towards Joey who sinks into his seat at the sudden attention. “How many times do I have to listen to you bitch about this ? Didn’t I tell you to just quit or-“
“God, Frank. You are such a dick.” Julie cuts him off and lets out a breathy laugh of disbelief. “Don’t you think we should do something about it?”
This time Frank laughs and shakes his head. “What? Want me to rob the place? Take the few bucks that store even makes.”
“We can rob more than that.” She argues.
“Oh yeah then we can all go fishing with all our gear and fishing rods.” Frank rolls his eyes and tilts his head back , rubbing his temple as he sighs again. Julie was still staring at him with that usual defiance in her eyes.
His patience was beginning to wear thin. The strike of every painful pulse against temple was beginning to become unbearable. He should have never agreed to come out with them. Maybe he should have found something in him to cross your yard and look for you through that window.
“Maybe.” She finally snaps back. “It’s not like you have much else to do after getting expelled over a stupid joke that Billy made.”
Joke. A joke?
The pulsating headache disappeared. It seemed to have traveled from his head to the rest of his body. That anger that was floating under the surface, a slight tug that was avoidable — now was flowing throughout his veins, shaking, quivering under his skin as he remembers that ‘joke’ Billy had felt brave enough to utter when Frank was passing by him in the cafeteria.
“What the fuck did you say?” Frank had stopped dead in his tracks. The table full of stoners had gone quiet, his deadly stare cutting their laughter short. It was almost comical the way most of the tables near by followed suit with their own tense silence. Did they really think Frank wouldn’t hear your name being mentioned ?
Billy, who had been leaning against the girl next to him, his own laughter fading after he failed to notice the known delinquent, blinked up at Frank with wide eyes. He swallowed hard and tries to play it cool. “What? “
“You were talking about y/n.” Frank states, ignoring Julie’s attempt to grab his arm as he grabs a handful of Billy’s shirt and pulls him up from the bench. Now all eyes in the cafeteria were on them. Even the lunch ladies forgot about the food they were hanging out. “I said. What. Did. You. Say.”
“Cmon man.” Billy voice wavers. “Didn’t you hear ? All..all summer people have been talking about it.”
“I wouldn’t be here asking you , would I dipshit?” Frank tightens his grip and he would laugh at the way Billy lets out a pathetic whimper if he didn’t feel his body shaking from anger. “What the fuck are you talking about?”
Billy hesitates for a second , regret written all over his face but he decides his fate was already clear, so he spits it out.
“They were saying the freak was seen skating all around town..going to trailer parks” He pauses, wincing and preparing himself. “And that she was giving it up to half the to—“
Billy didn’t get to finish whatever stupid rumor the school had decided to start the year with. He was on the ground before any teacher noticed what was happening. Frank’s fist stung with every punch he decorated Billy’s face with. It’s all he felt , his mind blocking everybody else out. Julie’s yelling for him to stop or the yell of his name by two different teachers across the room fell mute to his ears.
His only focus was the stinging, radiating from his fist to the rest of him. Not even the sight of blood dripping onto the floor had him stopping, it fueled him even on.
He couldn’t help but enjoy the sight of it on his fist.
“You think that was a joke?” Frank hardens his voice and looks at her warningly. “You think it was funny?”
“I think it wasn’t such a big deal. I mean, have you heard half the shit they say about that freak—“
“Shut the fuck up Jules.”
This time she rolls her eyes and crosses her arms across her chest. She looks at the rest of the group, who were watching them both with uneasiness. Their eyes unsure who to focus on , moving from Frank to Julie, and Julie to Frank rapidly.
“If you’re willing to defend her over one of the many rumors that spreads through this town, why can’t you back up one of your friends being fired unfairly?”
She’s challenging him. She was actually challenging him. The slight lift in the corner of her lips, a smugness that was barely kept hidden in her expression. She knew what she was doing. Frank almost wanted to laugh because who the fuck did she think she was?
When he looked at Susie and Joey, their expression were twisting into realization of her implications. Suddenly, all their eyes were on him. It was a scene that Frank should be use to. His legion all staring at him like he was their leader, like he had all the answers. He used to relish in those moments, taking in the feeling of being in control.
But now, they were staring at him with..uncertainty. And it angered him.
Do they think he’s gone soft? Julie had watched him go quiet whenever they were out during the summer and he noticed you skating down the road. It was hard not to notice you, your carefree aura would attract anyone towards you. Did she notice the times Frank would suddenly make an excuse to cut their date shorts?
She couldn’t have known about the few times he’s dropped her off and made his way towards your neighborhood, or the times he rushed home hoping that his phone call didn’t go straight to voicemail.
No. Frank wasn’t fucking soft. Didn’t they see how bad he had beaten Billy the day before? Don’t they remember who came in and changed their pathetic little group? They were nothing before him. He was the one that made their lives interesting. He was the one that wasn’t afraid to steal whatever makeup Julie wanted or tag a building that Joey had pointed out.
Frank Morisson wasn’t afraid of anything.
Even if he couldn’t bring himself to cross that yard and towards your window—
“Fine.” He snaps. Julie smile grows in excitement. “We’ll go and fuck up the place, and steal whatever money we can.”
“Really?” Joey perks up at Frank. He can’t help but admit the admiration in his eyes made him feel good.
“Yeah. But not tonight. Let’s wait a bit. It’ll be too obvious if we hit the place tonight.” He scans the group to make sure they understood, their excitement contagious and he smirks.
“Next week. We’ll make the fucker regret for messing with one of us.”
~~~~~
You were halfway done with your cigarette when laughter ran out from far away. A group of familiar faces enter the pathway, too busy laughing and disturbing the quiet that surrounded the park moments before, to notice you sitting on a bench.
The cigarette was still jutting out of your mouth, burning away as you debate whether or not it was worth dealing with the few jabs that was expected to be thrown your way.
It was an option not worth debating. Who in their right mind would want to deal with Sarah Thatcher and Chris Anderson ? The two were walking hand in hand in front of the rest of the group, throwing their heads back in laughter as they followed them like lost puppies wagging to tails for approval. Whoever made the joke was probably creaming their pants at the sight of it, getting their fix for the day.
Defeatedly, you took one last drag before flipping the cigarette towards the concrete in front of you. It was the last cigarette Steve had in his pack and you knew that was your last chance to steal one for a few days. It was easier to convince the sucker he has smoked his last one when he was on his 10th beer of the day.
You snubbed it out with your sneaker after you stood up from the wooden bench and wasted no time to grab your bike, kicking in the side stand. Gravel grates beneath your hurried footsteps when you attempt to make a quick getaway towards the path that lead to your favorite shortcut. It catches the attention of the head of the pack.
“Hey y/n!”
You hoped they didn’t notice the slight falter in your steps when you continue to walk away and not pay mind to them.
“How much you charging today? 5 dollars?” A roar of laugh follows and your cheeks burn in humiliation. “I think my friend Billy over here is interested. Come on slut, you owe it to him!”
You can’t help but throw up your hand, showing them the finger before you disappear into the entrance of the woods, gravel turning into dirt accompanied by the dozens of trees. A choir of Ohhhh echo while you walk deeper into the trees. A few more insults are thrown at you, a sharp bitch and slut fade the more you walk.
Couldn’t they decide what to call you at this point? Last year you were a freak and no one bothered to be near you, now one summer changes that and everyone decided to start calling you a slut and whore. Which was ironic considering half the girls in school could be under that category.
You really couldn’t care less, at least that’s what you like to tell your self. A tear escapes from the corner of your eye and you wipe it frustratingly. God. At least last year the term freak wasn’t not true. You were different. Your past was proof of that, but no one knows that.
They couldn’t.
Dead leaves crunch under your foot and the wheels of the bike, the only noise accompanying you on your walk home.
You’re halfway through your shortcut when you decide that deafening silence of the woods was too much. You stop walking, reaching into the basket attached to your bike and grab the walkman that you cherished so much. Unwrapping the wired headphones, you click play on the tape, forgetting which one you decided to bring.
The muffled beat and lyrics could be heard from the headphones in hand as you take your time attaching the body to your jean shorts.
I spent so much time
Believing all the lies
To keep the dream alive…
Crunch..Crunch..
Your head whips around towards the source of the noise. Your hands pause from struggling with the walkman, your whole body freezing at the realization you weren’t alone. You scan between the trees, a sudden bloom of uneasiness sits at the pit of your stomach. The sound had stopped the moment you looked, only the faint sound of Billy Idol’s voice and the slow thump thump of your heartbeat that you suddenly became painfully aware of rang in your ears.
Yet, despite these two sounds, the woods atmosphere seemed to have shift. The peaceful silence transition into something else..
It was still. Too still. The stillness made it where a slight movement in the peripheral of your vision became notable.
You turned towards it but it disappeared as quirky as it came.
What the fuck?
A tree stays as a center point of your attention. Whatever had moved a moment before, it had disappeared right behind that tree. Was someone following you? How did you not notice them before ?
“Hello?”
Your heart beat was faster now, beating hard in your ears and wrists as well as in your chest. Did Chris decide that throwing insults towards you was not enough? Did they really decide to change their Sunday plans and follow you through the woods ?
“This isn’t funny guys. You really got nothing else to do?” You spit out, gripping the handles of your bike tightly and attempting to swallow down the anxiety that was making your whole body shiver. You swear you could see slight movement behind the tree, a shadow, or something was trying to stay still.
Fuck this. You thought. Insults was one thing, but being followed into the woods and being made to feel like prey was a whole other situation you didn’t want to be involved in. In a split second, you looked down at your walkman to shove it in your pocket and you a loud crack of a twig breaking has you looking up again.
This time you weren’t met with just trees and the cloudy sky between the open spaces. No, there was a figure standing right next to the tree you were staring at before.
The booming in your ear stopped. Your body running cold as your breath hitched at the sight of the ghost white mask. Well—It was a ghost mask. The stretched out mouth gave it a image of a ghost wailing, blackened eyes staring right at you. The sight had you jerking back, the sudden act not preparing you for your foot to tangle with your forgotten headphones, the long wire tripping you. You had no time to stop yourself from crashing back into your bike, and landing on the floor with it.
Pain pulsates through your side but you can’t bring yourself to pay mind to it, scrambling on the dirt and pushing your self away from your bike. You lift your back from the ground and sit up to see the figure was still standing there. You didn’t bother brushing your hair out of your face as you stared dumbfounded. They were wearing all black beside the mask. It tilted slightly as though amused by your misfortune.
‘What..” You whisper to yourself. How did they have time to change? What was up with the mask? You didn’t dare to look around although you half hoped to see Sarah or another classmate with a camcorder in hand. Anything, laughter or even an insult to prove to you that you shouldn’t feel as afraid as you do now.
Once you saw the knife glistening in your gloved hands, you decided this was enough.
Bike forgotten, you scrambled to your feet ignoring the stabs of sticks in your palm when you push yourself up and made a run for it. It wasn’t graceful at first, the sudden panic had you stumbling forward your first few steps, hands grasping at the trees that directed your path. It was a path you taken almost everyday after school so you knew you had 30 seconds or less before you would push past a few branches hanging overhead and you would be greeted by the street to your block.
Your own heavy footsteps weren’t the only ones. The quick crunching of leaves forced you to look behind you, a gasp of horror escaping you when you see the figure was following right behind.
A twist of your ankle forces you flying forward, breaking through said branches, and crashing onto the street. Hot flashes of pain pinch at your knees who faced most of the impact, your short cry of pain going unnoticed in the empty street. You rolled over, struggling to stand again while your eyes never left the woods.
Now that you were already out in the open, despite the fact that there were no cars and most homes gave no sign of life, you knew that whoever was following wouldn’t dare to do anything now. Surely there was someone that could hear you scream.
You waited for anything—anyone to show themselves from inside the trees but there was nothing. No one even had the decency to show themselves. No rings of laughter followed suite, no one laughing at the pathetic scene of you managing to injure yourself.
“Oh my god” Sarah would have laughed. “You should have seen the look on your face !”
But..
Nothing.
You hold onto your stomach in attempt to control your breathing. The panic was still rolling through you in waves and the pain the impact had caused was become more noticeable. You note for a moment that your walkman wasn’t in your pocket.
Great. Not only did you lose your bike but one of your favorite tapes. The idea of going back popped in your head—Yeah. No.
You waste no time in hurrying down the street, wincing through each step that furthered the pain in your legs before you got to your driveway.
“Whafuck happen t’you?” Steve slurred once you entered the living room. It reeked of beer and shitty cologne , furthering your mood. You only had half the energy to acknowledge him with a disgusted look, attempting to walk past him but his hand gripped your arm.
“Hey..yourenot causing trouble are you? I donwant thaf stupid cop banging on my door.”
“No Steve.” You pull your arm away and try not to stumble back. God, you were trying really hard not to cry right now. The adrenaline was starting to wear off. “Some assholes from school played a cruel prank on me. It went too far.”
“Hm..” He watches you for a moment and you glare at the floor. His hand reaches up to grab a small stick from your hair and inspects it. He had you nearly backed up against the wall, the lack of space between you two only furthered the burning in your eyes.
Don’t cry. Dont cry.
He finally lets out a snorted laugh. You couldn’t help but compare him to a pig. A grunt. Pathetic. It’s all that he gives you before he sways towards the kitchen. The opening of the fridge is your cue to finally storm into your room and slam the door shut.
Once you’re under no ones watchful eye, you allow a few tears to escape. The softness of your bed warms you as you throw yourself into its embrace. You couldn’t bring yourself to face the mirror near your bed yet, knowing that the mess you were was going to match with what your foster father had said.
Pathetic.
You probably looked so pathetic. Allowing for that group to terrorize you that way. It had to be them, who else would it be? If you would have known that flicking them off would cause them to react that way, you would have pretended you didn’t notice them in the first place. This wasn’t new. You should have known they wouldn’t let you get away without having their fun with you.
You shift onto your back and stare at the ceiling. You felt so exhausted. Your body was aching and a part of you wanted to take a long bath but another part wanted to sleep it all of. The anxiety shifting into a deep shallow of self pity while you mull over what tomorrow would bring. One thing didn’t sit right with you.
What frustrated you the most was—
Why didn’t they show themselves? Why was there no big reveal—No big ‘Ha ! Fuck you freak !’? That’s what they would have relished in the most, making sure you knew the power they held over you. Instead, it was although nothing had happened at all.
As though nothing had been following you at all.
But there was.
That ghostly mask and glistening knife was proof of that.
Ellloooo, this is such a late reply, let’s just say that the AO3 writers curse had got me 😅 but I’m okay! Thank you sm to everyone who was checking up on me (,:
EYE FOR AN EYE CH 2 (Ghostface x Reader x Frank Morrison)
Summary: You’re met with the sad reality of what is your friendship with Frank; and you continue to get weird phone calls.
Contents: Angst, lots of angst with our boy Frank.
A/N: hiii hope you enjoy reading! This is just me setting more of the story, promise it will get much more interesting later on (;
Tick…Tick….Tick…
There was 5 minutes left in your last class. You settled your chin on your palm, glancing at the window to your left. The sky held a light grey tint, the clouds only a shade darker—looks like it will be raining today. The fact had you regretting not accepting a ride from Mary this morning and taking your bike. You wondered if you were going to be unlucky enough that it would start pouring during your 10 minute ride home.
Maybe you could even ask—
“Who??” A voice behind you interrupts your thoughts.
“Frank.” Another states with matching excitement.
Your head nearly turned fully in a knee jerk reaction at the name but it was a small enough glance that you noted it was the two cheerleaders to your right, then you kept your head turned towards the window. If you dared look long enough , you would have had to deal with the two blondes—both who you knew well enough that they wouldn’t miss the chance to humiliate you and call you out for staring.
“He beat the shit out of him in the cafeteria.” She continues. “They were talking near where those freaks hang out and the next thing I saw was Frank punching him on the floor. It took two teachers to pull him off. I think he broke his noise. Cathy said he was bleeding all over the floor..”
“Holy shit!” You can’t refrain the frown pulling at your lips when you hear them stifle their giggles. “So that’s why I saw Sheriff Mccall outside of the principles office on my way to class… You think they’ll take him out in handcuffs?”
“Hopefully. That would be hot.” Another set of giggles between the two before the forgotten clock strikes 2 P.M. and the bell rings. The class erupts in a chaos of shuffles and sighs of relief, but you continue to listen to the girls conversation as your notebook is shoved into your bag.
“What the hell did Billy say to him?”
“I don’t know. But Billy is an idiot. Everyone knows to not fuck with Frank, he got major anger issues or something.”
No. Frank was the idiot. You thought as you walked past them on your way out of the classroom. A destination set in your footsteps.
The school year had just started. It's only been one week since the school year begun, everyone settling into their new schedules and preparing for the following months that included the few important events during senior year. Dances, exams, prom, but most important for you—Graduation. That was something that you had promised yourself to be your one true focus, along with college applications and the overwhelming idea of scholarships—the only ticket out of this town.
It should’ve been on Frank’s mind as well but as you made your way to Principle Dickens office, and you caught a glimpse of him through the tiny window on the door, you realize that maybe Frank didn’t give a shit at all.
It was a surprise you even thought he would care with the way he was slumped back against one of the chairs in front of the desk.
His posture giving away what his thoughts were about whatever was coming out of the Principle Dicken’s mouth, the man nearly popping a vein that was protruding from his bald head as he rambled on. The Sheriff also couldn’t control his own expression of annoyance, seeming to want to just take Frank from the office. Whether it be his own distaste of the trouble maker and wanting to put him in the county jail overnight, or to get away from the drawn out lecture.
Taking your eyes away from them both, you finally focus your eyes on Frank. There was a small bandage on top of his nose. A spot of blood standing out agains the otherwise clean and white gauge. Looks like Billy managed to get one good shot.
You can’t imagine how he must look though.
Frank tilts his head back rolling his eyes. This only spurs Dickens to continue the verbal assault. Finally, his eyes lazily gaze towards the door and you both make eye contact. You grimace at the sudden tension that shifts in his body. With an awkward smile, you pull yourself away from the door and sit down on the bench a few feet away from it before any of the older two men notice your presence as well.
It’s also been a week since you both even acknowledged each other at school. There was a few glimpses here and there of Frank’s favorite red and grey varsity jacket in the school hallway or in the parking lot on your way out, but there was always either all three or one of the other friends in his group. Other than that— you haven’t seen or spoken to him. The last time being the time you both spoke on the phone after the tense encounter.
You let your bag fall on the floor beside your feet and examined your hands.
You imagine, with perfect clarity, how it all happened. That expression of his— sharp eyes and a deep scowl that followed Frank everywhere he went, turning away before surprising the other teen by throwing a punch straight to the jaw. Knocking him by surprise, Frank would take advantage and kick him to the ground, grabbing his shirt as he struggled on the ground and continued to throw blow after blow. You knew the only way Billy would have been able to mark Frank was when the two teachers pulled him off and held him back, and he took his chance to make himself look not as weak in front of the whole cafeteria.
But you knew his hands were perfectly clean (contrary to his face) while Franks was bruised and held some cuts from the impact.
“Freak.”
You glanced up noticing three jocks, all huddled near one of their lockers and glancing towards you. They snickered as you held their gaze before finally looking down at your hands again. Throat burning as your body tingles with humiliation.
Staring at your own hands, turning them around to glare at your own untouched knuckles, you wondered what it would feel like to lose control that way. It was natural for Frank. You only seen it once before, when you were 15 and he was 17, and a kid at the park thought it was funny to throw rocks at the stray cat you were just gaining the trust of with a can of tuna. The way his eyes shined bright with…excitement as the kid cried, clutching his eye and running from the both of you.
There was a denial of your own stir of enjoyment at the sight of it all, especially after Frank simply wiped his hands, grabbed yours and lead you to where the cat had escaped to.
How would it feel? Losing control that way?
You came back to reality when the door slammed shut, and the subject of your thoughts spoke.
“What are you doing here?”
Frank pursed his lips, watching you stand up and waste no time in examining his face. He flinches when you reach your hand towards his nose before stopping yourself. You note the absence of any handcuffs on his wrist and the sheriff by his side, a wave of relief rolling through you.
“Jesus Frank, I thought you were about to be taken to jail” You hiss. “What the hell are you thinking getting into a fight on the first week of school!”
“It doesn’t matter.” He grunts, grabbing your arm, the gentleness contradicting the roughness in his voice. He pulls you to walk beside him as he leads you down the hallway. “The dumbass deserved it.”
“Oh really.” You deadpan, both of you stopping before his locker. “I can’t imagine anything he said deserves him getting beaten so badly that you had him bleeding all over the cafeteria.”
“You weren’t there.” Frank opens the locker and grabs his backpack that was stuffed in there. He begins to shove a few of his things in it, grabbing a few photos that were pinned on the inside that you didn’t catch a glimpse of. Your eyes had focused on some of the sharpie writing that on the other side of the small locker door.
Julie + Frank <3
Suz was here (:
F.J.S.J
“How did you know where I was?”
It’s slam shut before you can read the rest.
“Some cheerleaders were gushing over how hot you would look being taken out of principle dickens office in handcuffs .” It starts to register that he had taken out nearly everything in the locker. “I’m surprised McCall even let you go. I thought I would have to wait for him to leave the room to talk to him..”
“Why?” Frank can’t hold back a smile as he pulls his back pack over one of his shoulders. “Were you going to sweet talk him into letting me off the hook? Use his sweet spot for you?”
You ignore the small hint of humor in his voice and look him in the eyes, seriously. “Maybe. How did you get off the hook anyway?”
Frank smile faded into a nonchalant expression. “I didn’t.”
You groan.
“You got suspended.” He begins to walk towards the double doors and you follow him. “How long this time? A week?”
When he doesn’t respond you let out a gasp. “No way. Two weeks?”
He pushes the doors open but pauses at the first steps towards the parking lot. You watch his expression carefully, holding the same uncaring attitude but the tension in his jaw gives it away. One look at his backpack again and your stomach drops.
“You got expelled.” You turn towards the door in a swift moment. “No way I’m going to talk to principle Dickens and I’ll make him change his mind—“
“I doubt that will do anything.” Frank stops you once before you can push the doors open once again. “Look, I’m glad the asshole expelled me. I’m sick of this place.”
“But you need to graduate.” You stare at him in shock, his cool attitude triggering a nerve. “How can you be so careless about this ?”
“I already flunked two times, it’s like not that asshole was going to let me graduate anyway.”
“You don’t know that !”
“Sweets.” Frank groans. “I’m happy about this. I can get a job full time now, make some extra cash. Have more time to myself.”
“What about college?”
“I don’t give a rats ass about college.” Frank scoffs. “Not everyone bases their life around that like you do.”
“But..” You pause with frown. “What about our plan? Us leaving Ormond?”
“You mean, your plan.” Frank says too quickly, and he seems to regret as fast as it came out. But it had its impact all the same. You stepped back, swallowing hard.
Right. There was no such thing as Our or Us anymore for you and Frank. The small piece of hope you were holding onto desperately crumbling in front of you. You tried so hard to run away from the fact that you were on your own now.
“Sorry.” You finally push out, your cheeks burning hot from shame mixed with the sudden embarrassment and irritation of accepting it.
“Wait—“
“Youre right.” You interrupt him, pulling away when he reaches out for you.
His face was a mix of emotions as he watches you try to push your own hurt from showing in your face. One look at the parking lot behind him and you see the same three teens that you admit you grown to dislike. They all stood besides his truck, not hiding the fact that they were watching the interaction.
You brush past him and make your way towards where the bike rack is. Your bike was the last one left, you take out the key as Frank follows behind you.
“That’s not what I meant.” He tries.
“I get it. Things are different. I’m stupid to think our plan was even still a thing.” You struggle with the lock for a second but it clocks, and you swiftly pull the bike onto the side walk . “You haven’t even spoken to me since school started so I don’t know what I was thinking coming to check on you.”
Frank places his hand on top of yours that were grabbing the handles and prevents you from walking away from him again. “You’re the one that’s been fucking ignoring me. Who’s the one that’s been calling you all summer?”
“Who’s the one that started ditching me earlier this year.” You fire back and you both stare at each other. A few drops of rain start falling on you both. “Who’s the one that made new friends, got a girlfriend and started forgetting our weekly movie nights.?”
“That’s bullshit.” Frank tenses, his gaze tight on yours, but you continue to push.
“You’re the one that started avoiding me. You found new friends and decided that they were better.” You pull away from his grasp and nearly run over his foot with your bike. He steps away before it does.
It looks like he’s going to continue arguing but you stop him.
“Speaking of which. You better go, Frank.” You nod towards his truck and he finally notices them. Eyebrows furrowing, although debating something. “Have fun with whatever plans you have next.”
You give him one last glance before walking away with your bike by your side, desperate to get away. He doesn’t stop you this time.
~~~
The can of cat food open with a pop— the smell striking your nose as you toss away the lid before making your way out into the night. The rain thankfully had stopped for the night, only leaving behind a chilly air and the smell of damp grass.
You walked towards the trash cans near your garage, setting down the can on the ground next to them.There was no sight of the cat you been feeding yet, but you knew by morning the can will turn up empty. You grab the empty one from the morning before.
“Fucking bitch!”
A door slam shut and out came your neighbor, the 30 year old man stumbling down the path towards his car. He barely acknowledges your staring as he enters—well really throws himself clumsily into the car, the headlights nearly blinding you as the engine roars to life.
“John!” A woman yells as she exits the same door. “Where the hell are you going?!”
John ignores her, the radio drowning out her yelling his name when he drives off , wheels skidding across the pavement as he disappears down the road. She tilts her head back, her body deflating in exhaustion, palm rubbing against her forehead as though wiping something away.
She doesn’t seem startled once she notices you watching her, only dropping her arm and throwing you a sheepish smile. She ignores the way you look over her scrubs before searching for something on her face, anything to indicate that he had hurt her again.
Jenny was always good at hiding it. After your two years of living next to her, you caught on the pattern of their relationship. You learned early on to not step in, getting scolded for trying to call the police on the bastard. So you learned to watch and make sure nothing went too far.
“Hey..” She crosses her arms across her chest and steps down the steps. “Uh, how’s the cat?”
“Good.” You state, relaxing once you note she seems to be untouched. “I think she’s pregnant. Her belly looks a bit bigger.”
“Or maybe you been feeding her too much.” She smiles, eying the can in your hands. “I saw that she eats the whole can now. How’s the stock holding up? Do you need me to buy more ?”
You shake your head, finally opening the trash can lid and tossing the can inside.
“I should be good for a few more days.” You wipe your hands on your sweats. “I’ll let you know once I’m out..thanks by the way.”
Jenny only nods and seems to turn to head back inside but you stop her.
“Uh..you’re okay..right?” You hesitate, not knowing whether you were pushing it.
You and Jenny had a small relationship where she would always greet you, either if she was leaving for her 12 hour shift at the only hospital this town had or if she was just returning from it by the time you got home from school. Once she had noticed the stray cat that begin hanging around both your yards and you only being able to feed it slices of ham, she made an agreement that she would buy the stocks of cat food and you would be in charge of feeding her.
There was always nights like tonight, where John would make a scene, either throwing things around the house in a drunken rage or having a full blown screaming match. You noticed the black eyes but like any other person in your life, she was good at lying and brushing it off.
“I’m okay.” She throws you one of those smiles and you feel a tug of annoyance at it. The fakeness of it, as though she was trying to protect you from something that you already knew the truth to. So what was the point?
“Its late and freaking cold, shouldn’t you be in bed?”
“It’s not that late.” You mutter, shrugging. She also always treated you like a kid, you weren’t sure if you hated or liked it sometimes. “It’s Friday”
“Right, still. It’s dangerous for you to be out so late, you never know who’s lurking around.” She remarks and heads up the steps. “Well goodnight.”
“Night.” You watch her head inside, lingering for a few minutes, hoping the cat would pop up but nothing. You go back inside, locking the door. Her remark sent shivers down your spine, prompting you to shut the curtains on the kitchen window before going down the hallway to your room.
Before you could shut the door, the phone rings.
You nearly jump out of your skin at the sound of it, its ringing slicing through the silence that you grown accustomed to in the house the past hour. There didn’t seem to be any sound from your fosters bedroom, no worry to answer the phone and see who was calling this late so you make your way to the kitchen again.
“Hello?” You answer once you put the phone to your ear.
“Hello?”
“Yes?” You rub your eyes and look at the clock. 10:36 pm.
“Who is this?”
“Um..” You cock your head in confusion. “Well who are you trying to reach?”
“Jenny.”
You pause, registering the raspy low voice. It sounds almost muffled, it’s a voice you don’t regconize. But you do recognize the name.
“Um sorry.. you got the wrong number.”
“Did I?” The voice croons, seemingly to be amused by the fact, you couldn’t pin on why. “Then who is this?”
You frown, the night a few weeks ago replaying in your mind. How do you know it wasn’t some creep trying to get off again?
But they knew Jenny, so maybe it wasn’t a big deal. Still, you’re cautious with your answer.
“I’m her neighbor.” You look towards a small post it note you had pinned to the fridge. Jenny had given you her number a few months after you moved here, telling you to call her for anything. “I have her number though, I can read it out to you—”
“No that’s okay.” The voice hums. “I think I prefer to talk to you.”
You blink, at lost for words. A small burn tingles at your cheeks.
“You never answered my questioned.” There seems to shuffling on the other side, the person moving around and you suddenly feel this urge to look at your surroundings. “Who am I talking to?”
“I don’t exactly feel comfortable telling you my name.” You finally answer, trying to make your voice stern but it wavers. “I’m not going to talk to some stranger over the phone, so do you want me to give you Jenny’s number?”
“Don’t be like that sweetheart.” The voice teases, they let out a small amused chuckle. “We don’t have to be strangers. Tell me your name and I’ll tell you mine.”
You bite your lip, you couldn’t help but feel a bit intrigued. But you knew better. Even if the sudden nickname disarmed you, you couldn’t ignore the fact that this was some creep.
“Tell me yours first.” You finally say. The voice only chuckles again.
“How do I know you will tell me yours?”
You shrug, forgetting that they couldn’t see you but they seem to predict it, the raspy voice flowing out the phone before you can say anything.
”Well that’s not fair, Y/N.”
Your breath hitches in surprise. Your hand grips the phone tight as the uneasiness settles back.
“what..how do you..who is this?”
“A friend of Jenny’s.” He muses, and you feel yourself start to grow impatient. Was this some type of prank? There was no way this was John, he was too drunk to even be able to plan a prank call. Plus, this was the stupidest type of prank call. It wasn’t even funny.
There was no way this was Frank. He would at least make it more amusing, less creepy.
“Yeah well if you were a friend of Jenny’s, you would at least get the right number.” You open the curtain, noting the lights were on in Jenny’s home still.
“But I do have the right number.”
“You don’t.” You say sharply. “I’m going to hang up now. So last chance, do you want her number or not creep.”
“Cute.” The voice doesn’t sound amused anymore, there was something…different to the tone now. You barely noticed it before the upbeat tone comes again and they sigh, giving up.
“Alright, since you insist.” They click their tongue. “Give me Jenny’s number then.”
You grab the note off the fridge and clear your throat, unsure whether you should but begin reading off the numbers. Right when you say the last number , the phone clicks. They hung up and you’re left standing there.
You wait to hear a distant phone ringing, coming from Jenny’s kitchen window that’s right across from yours.
Minutes pass by and the house stays quiet. The raspy voice echoing in your head. She never gets the call that night.
Eye For An Eye (Ghostface x Reader x Frank Morison)
Summary: When the dull town of Ormond springs to life after a string of murders— you and Frank find yourselves in the eyes of The Ghostface and the darkness that hides behind the mask that’s ready to corrupt you.
Warnings: this story is going to contain a lot violence , stalking, possessive behavior, blood, murder and much more. It’s heavy with unhealthy relationships sooo plsss read with caution !!
Notes: hiiii besties , I started this story three years ago. Frank and Ghostface are my faves in dbd so yes, I decided to create a story including both !! I posted two chapters before then disappeared. So I’m back and rewriting those chapters and heavily motivated! Hope you enjoy (((: mwah
Seasons don’t fear the reaper.
Open spaces between the branches and leafs that hung off the looming trees allowed for the blaring sun to peak its way through. It’s light falling victim to being blocked out by the faded red baseball cap that sat on top of your head.
Your head swayed slightly as your movements matched it smoothly down the empty road in a zig zag motion. Both arms raised by your sides, your fingers stretched reaching for nothing but everything at the same time. The sound of your rolling skates were filtered out by the headset that was placed over your hat.
The road seemed to go on forever. The endless trees that decorated the side of the deserted road giving an illusion of it being longer than it actually is. Part of you wished for there to be a whole different outcome at the end of it, but as part of your contract to this life you were dealt with— your wishes rarely came true.
You closed yours eyes for a few seconds before opening them again to relieve a sigh. The feeling of the wind hitting your face gave some relief from the humid air that’s been surrounding the town of Ormond for the month of August. As much as you loved the sun—it's presence giving you energy that’s hard to come by in your life, you couldn’t wait for the transition of weathers by the next week.
As Ormond rolls into another September, the summer’s heat will come into an end and you’ll finally enjoy the coldness that tags along with fall and winter.
Not only could you wear turtle necks without being questions by others at school who really are just too nosy for their own good; but you can finally see everything be covered in snow. A change of scenery will help the otherwise dull town.
The thought encouraged you to go a little faster, putting more pressure on your legs as they pushed you forward. Despite the rough feeling of the cracks on the road, you had no fear of falling. After the whole of rolling skating to spend most of the afternoons away, you grown comfortable and confident in your abilities to skate.
The beats of the song only made you push faster.
Nor do the wind, the sun or the rain
There wasn’t time to notice the car making its way down the road behind you before it’s loud honking caused a falter in your moment, skates rolling to a halt. You moved towards the side of the road , closer to the woods as you wobbled slightly to regain your balance.
You can prevent yourself from falling off your skates but not from getting hit by a car apparently.
A familiar voice scolding you at the back of your mind for your carelessness plagued your thoughts as you expected for the driver to pass you. Frank’s irritated face bringing an amused smile.
Hours could go by and not a single soul would drive this road, so you half expected the sheriffs own car to drive pass you. You waited to hear a small comment about you being more careful for the 10th time this summer. It was a surprise when you saw in the corner of your eye a different vehicle slowing to a halt.
You should have began to skate faster, you weren’t naive to the perverts that littered your town. You couldnt count the amount of times you catched middle age men watch you skate. But a small glance at the car had you pausing. The model catching your attention.
Hm. Impressive.
You werent an expert in cars but you could tell it was a vintage one, probably costing more than whatever the hell your foster parents were obtaining in the year of having you under their care. It definitely looked different from what you see in Ormond.
We can be like they are.
Admiring the black paint shining at you, reflection staring back at you , the window finally rolled down revealing a single passenger.
“Ah, sorry to scare you like that” The man leaned out the window slightly, awkwardly placing his arm on top of the rolled down glass. “ Didn’t know how else to get your attention.”
The headphones were removed from your ears, placed around your neck as you look at the stranger before you. Music blaring loud enough for you to make out the singer’s voice.
Red locks hanging over his forehead, tipping against glasses that framed his eyes as he squinted up at you through them, a friendly smile playing on his lips. Sinister intend hidden so well that you relaxed under the kind gaze.
Come on baby. (Don’t fear the reaper)
“Sorry mister, usually I pay more attention when I skate on this road.”
He nodded, watching you fiddle with the headset and tilt your head at him. He seemed amused with how you addressed him. Years of dealing with adults who liked to abuse their authority over you taught you a few things. Addressing them in a way that makes them feel better about themselves helped In terms of surviving and making them drop their guards.
It makes them trust you.
Although the red head didn’t look that much older, maybe still in his early twenties. You continued to take his appearance from what you were given. Green plaid shirt peeking out from a blue jacket. You noticed the pen that was perfectly placed behind his ear, nearly hidden by the strands of red hair that fell over it. He must be a writer of some sort.
The thought finally made you realize that he was an unfamiliar face. In a town like Ormond, it was uncommon for you to meet anyone new.
“You visiting someone here mister ?”
“Ah” The man flashed another soft smile before holding out a pocket notebook out. “I'm actually here to report some news for my newspaper.”
So you were right.You stood up straighter, satisfied with the knowledge that you read him right.
“Oh cool!” You glanced at the notebook and hummed. “But not much happens here so you probably won’t report much.”
“Im guessing you haven’t heard what’s been happening in the other towns then.”
Your fingers twitches against your thigh as you shook your head. You willed yourself to never look into the news from anything outside of Ormond. Afraid of what you were to find.
“I guess it wasn't that interesting enough to reach all over here.” You reply, shrugging. It sounded a bit rude, but you were beginning to itch all over.
“Oh, it will eventually.”
Raising an eyebrow at that, you crossed your arms and looked down the road. The sun was finally starting to descend behind the trees concluding that it was time for you to head home. If you left now now , you’ll be able to make it home before your foster dad made it home.
The thought alone bringing some tensions to your temple.
“Do you need directions towards a motel? There’s one just a few minutes down this road, pretty much the first thing you’ll see out of these trees.”
“Thanks.” He looks down the road, he fixes his glasses and looks at you again. “Do you need a ride ?”
You thought about it. It would be nice to hitch a ride in the nice car. And he seemed nice enough, with the way he looked at you with no pressure,giving you the option.
So you decided against it. With a shake in your head, you gesture towards your skates.
“I trust these bad boys to get me home.” You joke, tapping the back wheel on the pavement. The male nodding as he leaned back into his car.
“Lets hope so. You don’t want to be out after it gets dark.”
You blink at the warning, watching him give you one last smile before he drove off. There was nothing but drunk assholes to worry about in the nights of Ormond. It was just another dull town that wasn’t going to add nothing to whatever story he was hoping to find.
Baby take my hand. Don’t fear the reaper.
~
“Bye Mr. Richards!” You yell as you exit the small convenience store. The older man grumbles something along the lines of being careful, knowing that the only thing you're focused on is the bag of m&ms you managed to get for free.
You slowed down while opening the small bag, pouring a few on your palm before tossing it back in your mouth.
The sky was starting to darken, going from a bright blue to almost a purple hue behind the few clouds. You took note of the time on the clock behind the store counter when you pretended to Mr. Richards you had forgotten your change. 5:45 pm. There was still time before your old man got home.
Skating lazily past many stores, some signs already had flipped over to CLOSED, you were about cross the street to your neighborhood block when you noticed a familiar red truck.
Frank pulled up to the stop sign, his eyes notcatching yours yet. His tattooed hand tapping rhythmically on the steering wheel. The vibration of the music that you’ve grown used to dealing with could almost be be felt through his rolled up window. His other arm was propped up on the car door, head tilt slighting as though lost in thought.
You had a small thought of getting his attention, but seeing a blonde sitting in passenger seat had his name getting caught in your throat. She immediately saw you, an amused smile that looked mocking growing on her face. A flush disturbing your body when she says something which makes Frank look towards you. The idea of him taking your appearance embarrassing you suddenly.
Your denim shorts and purple and black stripped top, along with the high knee socks that went with your red roller skates all of sudden made you feel—small. There was never this type of shame when it came to Frank, you both seen each other at your worst. He seen you with your acne ridden face and you seen him with his choppy haircuts he tried giving himself in the orphanage bathroom.
You loved your outfit, you did. You picked it out yourself for once when you picked up a few bucks from walking the neighbors dog last summer. It was thrifted but still felt brand new. But seeing Julie with her leather jackets and combat boots that went along with her more punk and dark aesthetic always made you feel lesser in a way. Especially since Frank clearly liked it because well— he was dating her. He liked his whole group of new friends that followed the same life style. He liked them so much that he wasn’t hanging with you as much. The blame isn’t entirely on him, you rejected his many proposals of you joining the group. You just weren’t like them.
You can’t be like them. You won’t be like them.
Frank doesn’t copy Julies own amused look, instead he throws you a soft smile. One that you awkwardly give back. His soft gaze is interrupted by Julie saying something to catch his attention. Frank’s jaws harden as his eyes drift away from yours and snaps at the blondes directions. You look away and finish skating across the street before you can try to piece together what was said.
The flush doesn’t leave your body the entire way home. Only when you throw your skates to the side in the garage and head up the two steps to the entrance that leads to the kitchen, you let yourself have a deep breathe. The bag of m&ms lay abandoned on the counter while you grab a glass of water.
You missed Frank. Sure, you both hung out a handful of times this summer but it wasn’t like the years before. You cherished those times, even the few times he called this summer and finally asked to hang, just the two of you. Those moments gave you hope despite the new distance. Even now, your eyes glancing towards the telephone that hung on the kitchen wall. You idled in the kitchen for a few minutes, nursing the glass of water as you continued to take sips from it.
The sound of a car pulling into the garage finally has you snap out of your thoughts. You looked down at the empty glass and sighed. No excuse now. You reluctantly placed it in the sink before retreating to your room. Ignoring your foster dad’s heavy footsteps entering the house before you closed your bedroom door. You could only listen as he moved around the house. The bag of m&ms being a victim to his sticky hands. He finally makes his way to his bedroom and slamming it shut.
This part of the day was something you dreaded. The silence that filled the home. The natural light that escapes your room when the sun finally disappears, leaving you with only the street lamps to flash an orange glow onto your walls. You hated the darkness, no time being wasted for you to turn on the lamp near your desk. The sudden brightness comforting as you lay back down.
Before you could let yourself be swallowed by your thoughts again, a sudden shrill breaks through the walls of your room.
The phone.
It continues to ring when you make it out your room in a hurry, hoping Frank doesn’t give up so soon. It’s shameful the way you snatch the phone off the wall.
“Hello?” You say breathily, flinching at how you sound. You clear your throat as you wait to hear a voice on the other side. But nothing comes. Silence.
“Um..hello?” You repeat.
Nothing.
You listen, catching of what sounds like someone breathing. It was faint, just enough to tell you that someone was on the other line. God please don’t let this be some pervert, You heard weird stories about men getting off at just hearing a girls voice on the phone.
Or maybe it was Frank messing with you. The phone is pulled from your ear and you debate hanging up but you try one more time.
“Helloooo?” You say , letting out a half laugh from your nerves. “Can you hear me? Frank, is that you?”
Still just…silence. You’re about to speak again but it clicks. They hung up. You look at the phone hesitantly place it back on the wall. The moment it’s back , the phone rings again.
“Hello.” You answer again, a bit more forceful and expecting for them to continue to just listen to you talk and hang up again but you’re met with someone clicking their tongue.
“Well hello to you too sweets.”
Franks voice registers in your mind and your shoulders relax.
“Oh..hi Frank” You sigh in relief. “Jesus were you not able to hear me before?”
“What do you mean?” He says coolly, you could hear him moving, his bed springs creaking under his weight.
“When you called before— I kept repeating myself and all I heard was you breathing like a creep.” You huff. The coily wire from the phone was wrapped around your finger.
“Wasn’t me. I called you just right now.” He replies puzzlingly, he sounds concern and you frown at the realization. He waits before chuckling. “Damn, don’t tell me you’re giving some creep his fill for the night.”
“Gross” Your hand motions with the wire stop and you make a face at that. “What if Steve answered?”
The thought of your foster dad has Frank letting out another chuckle. “I’m sure the bastard would’ve loved that even more.”
“Frank!” You half whisper, looking into the hallway hoping the bedroom door doesn’t open. A giggle still escapes as much as you try to hold it back.
You don’t know it, but Frank smiles at the sound. A comfortable silence fill the phone for a moment, before he breaks it.
“Go down the same route today?”
You looked at down at your socks, rolling one of your sore ankles.
“Yup. Down the road away from Ormond and back.” You answer. “Went a bit past that run down water tower before heading back.”
“That’s far.”
“I wish I could go farther.”
Frank hums at that. A mutual feeling between you both.
“Did that old pig catch up to you?”
“Sheriff McCall? No but some tourist—well not really a tourist—a journalist did.” You ramble, glancing out the window. “I didn’t even hear him drive up behind me before his honking made me almost eat pavement ! I’m sure McCall would be happy to tell me that he told me so.”
“A journalist?” Frank scoffs.
“Yeah, he stopped to apologize and I noticed he definitely wasn’t from here. He had a pretty cool car by the way—oh and I asked and he said that he was doing some type of news report here.”
“Probably to warn people from ever entering this shit hole.” He concludes. “Why else would the fucker be here.”
You snort. It was satisfying knowing Frank had the same thought that you had.
You contemplated on telling him what else the journalist said about the other towns but he stops you suddenly. His voice is hesitant, as though he’s revealing something. A topic that was sensitive enough to steer the conversation in a way that neither of you were prepared to fully deal with.
“You could have..you know, called and ask me to tag along.”
You swallow hard and half shrugging, forgetting that he couldn’t see you. Julie in his passenger seat coming to mind. “ You seemed busy anyway.”
You wanted to return the sudden list of questions he was presenting to you tonight and ask what he and Julie did to spend their time on the last week leading up the new school year.
Did they drive around town, visiting spots that every couple tend to hang out at? The diner or the park where everyone parks to smoke cigarettes or weed. Did they spend the afternoon by themselves or did the rest of the group join them. Did they go to the ormond resort that he always disappears to nowadays?
You hated the idea of any it. The image of Frank having Julie by his side— his friends company that apparently was better than yours while you skated alone. You kept the questions to yourself, rather not knowing.
“I would have bailed” He finally answers. His voice tensed.
“Right.”
You knew he wouldn’t have. He should have known that statement before was going to ruin the whole conversation.
Things got quiet again. Why was it always too quiet between you two now? What was the shift in the last year that you seemed to ignore? You could rack your brain for hours and you couldn’t pinpoint a moment.
Could he?
Frank seemed to have made up his mind on what to say but you already had cut him off before you could notice it.
“I should go. Mary will be coming home soon and would want me to start helping with dinner.”
Frank is silent for a beat too long and you decide to make it easier on him. Not knowing that his own heart broke the same way yours was.
“Goodnight Frank.”
You faintly heard his voice a second before you hung up.
hey!! not trying to stress you or anything but will there be a part two of i was radicalised? it’s soooo good and i love it so much! if there is, when do you think it’ll be out? i don’t exactly know you but i’m just gonna assume you have a lot of things going on in your private life so it might be hard to write sometimes so take your time! you have a beautiful vocabulary and incredible writing skills, never give up writing!! 😊😊
Hi! Yeah right now it’s been difficult for finish most of my drafts that’s been sitting around , I have so many unfinished works it’s crazyyy!!
I do have some of I was radicalized written and I was planning on working on it on my free time the next two or so days. Hopefully I can have it finished by Friday or even before? Sorry for the wait ! but it is one of the first ones I want to have out soon ((: thank you so much for your kind words, it means so much to me!<3333
What about an Eddie fic inspired from the songs august-cardigan-betty trilogy from Taylor Swift? Absolutely tragic but with a happy ending. (cause my heart can handle angsty angst but cant handle sad endings) 😭😭
OH MY GOD. I saw this and dropped all the drafts I was working on, and couldn’t stop typing away. This is for the swifties </3 this idea. Mwah! Thank you ! This may not be the happiest ending as I struggled with it but I tried lol <3
Warnings: Angst. Angst. Angst. Hurt/some Comfort. Implications of cheating. Breakups. Swearing. Eddie being a total fucking idiot. Rekindling a friendship/relationship. Sort of? Open ending.
“I saw them together.”
It felt like the air had been knocked from your lungs, throat constricting as you tried to swallow down the biting ache that racked through your body. Tears stinging in the corner of your eyes as robins voice continued to bleed in your ear, hands white from gripping onto the phone tightly.
Robins voice wavered, the way it always did when she was on the verge of breaking into her incoherent rambles. “He—at the party last night. Me and Steve caught them, in the kitchen and, it was a split second but still—I’m sorry y/n, I had to tell you. And—“
The name Augustine blurring along with the small details that Robin pushed out. The same name that was introduced to you when a new girl moved into town. Someone who quickly made her spot in Hellfire’s club when she arrived.
You could only mumble a small okay to your friend, quickly thanking her before ending the call that had destroyed your whole being.
The silence that followed was deafening. You couldn’t tell if Robin’s retelling of Eddie’s infidelity was worse than the emptiness that greeted you as you stared into the darkness of your room.
You glanced at your bed, the sight of the white cardigan that Eddie bought you months prior, when Hawkins was still suffering from the harsh winter. Everything hit once you numbly laid down and pulled the soft material against your chest.
The smell of Eddie’s cologne and the smoke that marked his scent breaks the dam, your sobbing cutting through the silence of the room.
He tugs the sleeve of your cardigan up your arm, other hand brushing against your skin, drawing lazily with his fingertips. You stare down at the textbook, trying to ignore the light kisses that followed where his fingers had marked.
“You’re distracting me.” You mumble, giving in to glance at the doe like eyes already boring their way into you. Regretting it immediately when his lips push into a teasing smile.
“So my plan is working.” He hums, wrapping his arms around your waist and pulling you close, between his legs and against his chest. “I thought I would have to throw that textbook out the window.”
“I would have grabbed another one..” You giggle when he nudge your cheeks with his nose, his huff tickling against your chin. “And smacked you with it.”
“Ohhh so we playing dirty now?” He gasp, tugging on a piece of hair. “I’m up for the challenge.”
“Oh shut it.” His hands are pushed off your waist and you reach forward for the textbook he managed to kick away with his foot. “You realize we both should be studying for Ms .O’donells final.”
“Do we have to?” He groans, hiding his face against your shoulder. Eddie tugs on a loose thread on your cardigan, wrapping it around his finger as he enjoys the sound of your voice.
“Yes we do! We made a promise that you would graduate this year, and begin looking into colleges with me.” You poke his head.
“Who will accept someone who had to repeat senior year two times?“ he sighs, allowing you to turn around in his arms and face him.
“Come on, my grades aren’t that great either Eds. My GPA isn’t exactly that of a honor student.”
“Then why are we even stressing over it?” He watches you. “You been wearing yourself thin over this stuff. I mean, seriously. You told me that you didn’t care about any of that college crap before.”
You shrug, looking down at your sleeves as his voice softens. “Your parents again?”
That tugging sensation that accompanied the thoughts of your parents and their plans they placed on you, coming back. Eddie cups your cheek as he notes this. The gesture encouraging so you nod.
“They keep bringing up these fancy universities that I already know I won’t get into.” You sigh and lean against his chest. “I don’t even think I want to get into them.”
“Then what do you want?” He asks softly. “You, not your parents.”
“I don’t know.” You sniff and bask into the warm embrace of his arms wrapping around your body. “I just want to be good enough for them .Not be seen as second place to my sister. For them to not look at me as the usual disappointment they think I am.”
Eddie arms tighten around you and he scoffs next to your ear. “How many times do I tell you that you are not a disappointment? And to stop comparing yourself to your sister.” He smooths his hand down your side.
“It’s hard when it’s all they do.” You groan into his chest. “She’s their favorite. And I’m..just there. It’s been like that my whole freaking life. Always second, never good enough, never the favorite—“
“Hey.” He makes you look at him. “I know this probably doesn’t sound as comforting, considering my reputation, but-“ he pinches your cheek. “You’re my favorite. Always will be my favorite girl.”
You stare up in awe and blush. He continues. “Your parents are clearly idiots and don’t see what a gem you are. Alright? I don’t want you letting their comments get to your head.”
You nod allowing him to bring you in a hug again, the sweet compliments and praises he washes over for the rest of the night push away all those insecurities that’s been built through out the years.
His whispers against your ear and kisses along your skin warming you up more than the cardigan wrapped around you.
“Please.” Eddie begs. His foot blocks your attempt to shut the front door in his face, ringed fingers gripping onto the edge of the door frame as he lets out a shaky breath.
“It was just a kiss.”
“Just a kiss? Wow.” You hiss, trying to push the door closed again. “You’re fucking unbelievable.”
“It was a fucking mistake!” He scans your face, trying to catch anything that wasn’t pure hatred that you threw at him. “I-i wasn’t thinking clearly, I was drunk.”
“Oh. Because that makes things any better.” You say bitterly, looking down at his sneaker. “Move your fucking foot.”
“Jesus. Please just listen to me, we can talk about this.” The panic in his voice and eyes was evident. “I was a fucking idiot ,a-and I never meant to hurt you and- and —“
“But you did. You did hurt me, Eddie.”
It was hard to keep your voice steady, the strong expression you had kept up for most of the confrontation was beginning to falter. Your bottom lip began to shake as a few tears escaped. Eddie expression drops.
“Were you ever going to tell me?” You sniff. Eddie remains silent and you scoff. “Or were you going to act like nothing happened? Like you didn’t do exactly what I was afraid of the moment you brought her into the club.“
You push the door open and push him back, glaring at him through the tears. “You lied. You gave me all this bullshit that I was your favorite girl, and that I was the one for you. All these fucking lies and I believed you. I believed every stupid lie you fed me.”
“They weren’t lies, I was never lying!” He shouts back. “I meant everything I said, I still do. You are the one for me y/n—“
“Then why did you kiss her?” You look between his eyes. “Tell me then. If any of it was true, why. did. you. kiss. her.”
Eddie opens his mouth but clamps it shut again, grimacing as he finds himself unable to answer.
“I’m sorry” He whispers, voice breaking. “I’m so sorry baby. I don’t know what I was thinking.” He pressed his face against his balled up fist in a pained expression. “I’m so fucking sorry. Let me fix this. Ill do anything. I’ll fix this, I’ll fix us. Please.”
“You can’t.” You shake your head wiping away your tears in anger. “There’s nothing to fix. There’s no us anymore, Eddie.” His name comes out shaky as you cry. “Okay?I’m done.”
Eddie own expressions breaks as he lets out a sob of his own, your words beginning to sink in. “Don’t. Please don’t do this. I can’t lose you.”
His tears only pushed at your anger, he wasn’t the one that was hurting from this. You weren’t the one that cheated, the one to break many promises. You weren’t the one that broke a trust that took so long to build, acted on urges that stabbed at the insecurities that were buried with kisses and declarations of love.
All those kisses left on your skin now leaving a burning reminder, a ghost of a tattoo, of the heart ache that you were sure wasn’t going to go away. No matter how many years passed, it will always linger. Forever haunting you as you try to forget what you and Eddie had.
Because that’s all you were left with now, memories and heartbreak. There was no longer kisses that would make things better, stopping the bleeding that came from deep scars, not when the boy behind them was now the sole reason for why you were breaking apart right now.
That didn’t mean you didn’t want it though. A kiss that would make everything better, but you could only stare at Eddie continued to cry in front of you. His eyes pleading and begging, hands shaking as he tries make eye contact.
You swallow down that lump in your throat and grip onto the door handle tighter. “It’s over Eddie.”
He tries to speak but you cut him off before he could continue to make excuses.
“You need to fucking leave. Now.” You step back into your home, ripping your eyes away from his torn expression. “I don’t want to see you again.”
“Y/N, no please—“
The door slams shut.
-
It felt like the whole floor was ripped from under him. A dark hole swallowing him whole ever since you closed the door in his face that night. The unanswered calls and your avoidance only sinking him deeper into the hole he made for himself.
It was a mistake. That night at the party, he was so out of it and didn’t know what he was doing. He wasn’t even suppose to be at the party but a quick call from Gareth, mentioning that a few students wanted to buy drugs and he was the only known dealer in town.
He should have denied, but the stress of graduation being around the corner and his grade in Ms. O’donells final still being unknown got to him.
Eddie wouldn’t have been surprised if he failed again, that graduation stage being something he simply wasn’t meant to walk on. But the only thing that made him care about that idea and the disappointment that would have followed if he didn’t, was you.
He wanted to graduate for you, to make you not be disappointed that you’ll have to wait and stay another year in Hawkins just because Eddie couldn’t stop being an immature fuck up.
That’s all he was. But you still saw through that and stuck with him. You knew him in a way that no one else did, or will ever. And what did he do?
He did what he was best at.
He fucked up. He let his worries and stress of being good enough get to him, took that excuse to drink and he royally, incredibly fucked up. He ruined the one good thing in his life and he didn’t know how to deal.
Graduation went by fast, he did end up graduating surprisingly which only made him feel worse, and he hasn’t heard from you. Summer begin and he didn’t know what to do anymore.
He thought maybe if he tried to get glances of you throughout town, driving by your home on random night, he could get the courage to try to speak to you again. But when he did, he was met with a sight that broke him.
It was known you were friends with Robin, so it shouldn’t be too surprising that you would begin hanging out with the blonde. But Steve Harrington? The sight of you two together, hanging out at the local diner was all it took for his hope to be demolished.
The fact that you both looked great together. The preppy and rich boy look that Harrington carried around went perfectly well with your cute sweaters and soft demeanor. Not contradicting like it did with his band tees and metal look.
Even if you always did remind him that you loved it, saying how happy you were with him.
He began torturing himself by walking down familiar streets, Hawkins plaza being a common spot for you both to hang out on slow weekends. His eyes staring down at the cobblestones that made up the side walk, slowly making his way to the hide out. Maybe a few beers will help.
He came to a stop when he nearly ran into a street lamp, groaning as he rubbed his shoulder before noticing a yellow sticker that was loosing its color against the metal pole.
“—and 86’ will be our year baby!” Eddie drunken speech has you giggling, gripping onto the street lamp and spinning around it. The light gives a clear view of the white cardigan that was snug on your figure,his leather jacket thrown over your shoulders as extra protection of the cold that was early February.
Both of the outwear clashing against each other, different in the aesthetics but he loved it. He loved everything about you, especially the way some strands of hair fell over your face as your spinning came to a stop.
Drunken amused expression gazing up at him, standing beneath the street light that wasn’t anything compared to how bright your smile was.
He upped his dramatics, wanting to keep your eyes on him.
“Hawkins will be no longer!” He shakes his head, hair falling out of the lazy ponytail that was held up by your scrunchie. “Me and My royal highness will be leaving behind this shithole and onto a kingdom she deserves!”
“And where exactly will this kingdom be at?” You ask, hugging the street lamp and looking at Eddie with wide puppy eyes. The hopeful expression you throw at him beats the feeling the alcohol in his system was giving him.
He places a hand above yours on the metal pole, on top of a bright yellow smiley face sticker, leaning in and whispering. “You tell me where. Name a place and I’ll take you there in a heartbeat. ”
Your eyes soften as his voice dips into a deeper genuine tone, no longer the dramatics that was Eddie’s overall personality. A tone that was only ever shared between you both.
You ponder then shrug.
“Anywhere.” You answer, smiling and reaching for his hand. “I don’t care where, as long as you’re by my side.”
His heart soars at that and a grin spreads across his face. Unable to hold in that giddiness that only you could give him, he bends down and grabs your waist, throwing you over his shoulder. Your shouts and complains echoing across the empty street.
“Anywhere it is!” He shouts over your laughter. “Once you graduate—“
“We, idiot!”
“ I’m going to take you far far away from here. Away from these peasants. But first..” he hiccups and realizes how empty the street actually was. “We need to find my van. Where the hell are we?”
“I thought you said it was parked this way, Eds!”
“Hey!” A voice calls out, snapping him out of the memory that was making the emptiness in his heart more prominent. He turns to see a car roll up and recognizes the face. “Well, hi stranger.”
Augustine smiles up at him, arm prepped on top of the rolled down window. How the hell did he let that smile reel him that night? It didn’t have the soft edges that yours did, it didn’t bring any type of feeling to him what’s so ever.
“Why the hell are you walking this late at night?” She asks after he only responds with a tense smile, looking down the street.
“Van broke down.” He says, stuffing his hands in his pockets.
It was a lie. He couldn’t handle the smell of your perfume that lingered, the trinkets you put on the dashboard, or your ghost in the passenger seat. The mixtape he made for the both of you to listen to was still in the cars stereo.
“Well shit. That sucks.” She laughs and bites her bottom lip. Her eyes hopeful. The look strikes him that she must have remembered that drunken night, a full memory for her while his was hazy. Bits and pieces he hated thinking about.
She takes in the defeated stance and sits up straighter, hoping her encouraging smile can lift him up.
“Cmon Eddie, get in. Let’s go for a drive.”
He stares back at her for a moment, ready to dismiss and continue his way to the hideout. But then he thought of you and Steve, the match made in heaven, and he finds himself resigning. Hoping this could fill the hole in his heart.
-
You didn’t think the pain could be any worse than it was, but apparently you were once again wrong. Summer went by agonizing slow. The full time job you got at Scoops Ahoy was the worst decision you could make because it meant having to endure seeing Eddie and Augustine together.
The first time it happened, they had walked into scoop ahoy right a few minutes shy of it closing. Augustine’s loud laughter forcing you to stand up straight, stomach churning when Eddie made eye contact with you.
He seemed as surprise as you were, it was the middle of July and it’s the first time you both ran into each other since graduation.
They looked..perfect together. Augustine always had that rocker vibe to her, something her and Eddie bonded over when she first sat at the lunch table. Their taste in music were the same, they dressed the same. They looked perfect together.
Augustine had a fierce look in her eyes (that would make anyone tense up if she glared at them, something you were jealous of) as she glanced between you two, expression dropping for a split second.
A look of sympathy, or even pity, crossing her expression as she threw you an awkward smile, before she began asking for one cone. Eddie remained silent, never tearing his eyes off you as you replied with your customer service voice, shakily taking his money.
You gave her the ice cream cone and he finally attempted to say something, but before he could fully say your name— Steve came bursting through from the employee room and glared daggers at him.
“Sorry, we’re about to close so you can’t eat in here.” He practically hisses, grabbing you by the shoulders, squeezing them in comfort and lightly pushing you towards the break room. “Can you take the trash out for me?”
You wasted no time to take your exit, leaving Eddie and Steve to their weird stare down. Maybe you cried in the bathroom instead of taking out the trash, but Steve made no comment on it. Driving you home and comforting you the way he has been the entire heartbreak.
July slowly rolled into August, then August transitioned into September. It went by like a breeze for Eddie, his days full of drug deals and doing whatever he could to forget about the missing piece in him.
He thought he could pull himself out of that hole if he simply kept himself distracted the whole summer. But it didn’t do jack shit, because he found himself standing in your front porch, with a hope that he could change this ending that he caused.
The sound of loud laughter, music and multiple people talking over each other can be heard from his spot.
Dustin had let it slipped that Robin was throwing a surprise party for you the day before, somehow the kid still wanted to be around Eddie despite the rest of hellfire not being able to look him in the eye yet. He asked what for, but Dustin went quiet and continued to focus on the campaign they were planning.
He knocks on the door and steps back a bit, willing his body to stay. Would you tell him to fuck off the moment you saw him? Jesus, that was the only way this could go but he had to try.
The door swings open and that familiar whiff of your perfume hits him. If he hadn’t cried his eyes dry the entire summer, he may have teared up at the comforting smell. Your hair was shorter, he notes. He always loved the way it framed your face when it was short. It’s been so long since—
“Eddie?” Your smile drops the second your eyes landed on him. His heart twists at that.
“Hey..” he licks his lips and clears his throat, glancing past your shoulder then at you. “I..uh can..can we talk?”
“I don’t think that’s a good idea.” You continue to stare at him with no expression, seeming ready to shut the door again but he holds his hand out.
“I know. I know you told me you didn’t want to speak to me, or even see me again but.” He lets out a bitter laugh. “Shit y/n. You don’t understand how hard this has been for me—“
“For you.” You deadpan. “Yeah I really can’t imagine how this could hard for you.”
He frowns and shakes his head. “You haven’t spoken a damn word to me since May. You ignored my calls, had your mom tell me to basically fuck off whenever I came by, you didn’t let me at least try-“
“No.” You step out and slam the door shut behind you. “Eddie. You are not going to put this on me. This is your fault. I’m not the one that cheated !”
“I know! You don’t think I fucking know that?” He rubs his face and let’s out a strangled cry. “Fuck. I’ve been beating myself over it since it happened. It eats me alive. Day and night. It’s the worst thing I’ve ever done and I wasn’t thinking clearly that night and I know that doesn’t excuse what I did, but I need you to understand that if I could change what I did, I would do it in a heartbeat. Because losing you—“
He removes his hands from his face and looks at you, your own expression beginning to break. “God, losing you—it’s breaking me. Tearing me apart.”
“Good.” You hoarsely state, crossing your arms and staring down at the ground. “You deserve it, Eddie. You deserve to feel this way.”
Eddie swallows hard and watches you. “Can you ever give me a second chance?”
You begin to shake your head and his heart breaks, his desperation taking over. “Please, why can’t you at least let me try to fix things?”
“Because there’s no coming back from what you did, Eddie. I don’t give two shits about your apologies okay? I’ve moved on.”
“What?” He bitterly laughs, “to fucking Steve the hair Harrington? That preppy asshole we use to hate? “ Your expression twist in confusion and he continues, voice rough dripping with venom. “I saw you all around town with him, all summer. Christ y/n, I never thought-“
You couldn’t believe what you were hearing. A choke laugh escaping as you stared at Eddie in bewilderment. “Are you serious right now? You want to give me shit when you been out and about with the same girl you cheated on me with!”
He stammers as you poked his chest roughly. “I can’t believe you had the nerve to come here, begging for forgiveness when you been fucking her all summer.”
“It meant nothing.” He admits, gripping onto your wrist. A few tears rolled down your cheek as you try to pull away. “She doesn’t mean anything to me. I only did it so I could try to forget about you. All those nights..I only thought about you, you wouldn’t leave my mind. She’s not you.”
“I dreamt of you all summer, you know?” He sniffs. “God, I couldn’t even sleep in my room for weeks because you left some of your stuff there. Had to sleep in the couch and Wayne was pissed. Shit, the old man wouldn’t stop asking about you. Kept reminding what a dumbass I was, I thought he missed you more than I did—“
A broken laugh is all he gets from you and he continues. “But no. I missed you like crazy, and..and I mean it when I said I would do anything. Even for you to at least..talk to me? Or to look at me. I can’t handle you not being in my life anymore. And I don’t care how long it takes to build the trust again.”
“I’ll keep trying. Because that’s all I need, I need you to let me at least try. Even if it’s just for us to be friends again.”
“Friends?” You frown.
“Yes. Jesus, you were my best friend. And I miss having you around, I miss making you laugh, I miss hearing you voice pestering me every damn day. I miss everything. I miss us. And I’ll sell my damn soul to be able to get it back.. Shit, I’ll sell my guitar!”
You cry and go weak in his grip, letting for your chest to shake as you let out the tears that never seemed to run out. “God. You fucking idiot. I should fucking hate you Eddie Munson.”
He silently watches you and you get the courage to look up at him. “But I just..can’t. I guess I can never fully hate you.”
“y/n..” he whispers and you close your eyes, a few tears squeezing out. The apologies didn’t do much to soothe the ache in your heart, but you couldn’t deny you had missed him too. The summer was horrible without the usual late night rides you both would go on.
Something crashing in your room brings you out the small moment, Robins rambled apologies bursting the bubble.
“Eddie.” You start, looking back at your home and you frown, the party you seem to have forgotten coming back in mind. You get lost in thought then utter. “There’s no way we can fix things now. We just can’t.”
“Come on. ” His grip tightens. “There has to be, right? It may take a while and it’ll be fucking hard, I know I destroyed a lot but we can take it slow and, and..“
The look you threw him has him trailing off, his eyebrows furrowing as he tries to understand why you looked so..resigned. There’s a few seconds before you finally find your voice.
“I’m leaving Hawkins.”
Eddie feels as if he was drenched in cold water. He freezes, processing your words and can only stare blankly as you continue.
“I got accepted into a university.” You chuckle dryly. “Surprisingly.. but uh yeah. Managed to snatch a scholarship and everything. Go me.”
The surprise party suddenly makes sense—Dustin’s avoidance of his question.
“But..you hate the idea of college.” His mouth feels dry, stuffed with imaginary cotton that makes it difficult to even speak. “You told me that you were planning to tell your parents about our plan—how we..“
We were going to leave together. He wanted to say but the sharp look you gave him made it die on his tongue.
“Yeah well things change, apparently” You glance at him then down at the sleeve of your sweater. “Besides. It may not be the way I wanted to leave but..I don’t have anything that makes me want to stay.”
You have me. He trembles, everything finally setting in. It wasn’t fair for him to say that though, because the reality was— he had you but he ruined it. He thought he lost you before, but this was a whole new level of pain he wasn’t sure he could live with.
He thinks of the fact that it’s the first week of September and takes a deep breath. “When?”
“Tomorrow.”
Fuck.
“Oh.”
He has a distant look in his eyes and you stay silent. You had hoped you wouldn’t have to say goodbye, didn’t think he deserved one after everything. The kicked puppy look being another reason why you were ready to simply leave and not look back.
“Guess I’ll just keep missing you then.” He says finally, voice wavering as he silently cries. Tears streaming down his face as he tries to force down the complete heartbreak.
“And I’ll keep waiting.”
You squeeze your eyes shut, unable to look at him anymore. “Don’t. This is why I didn’t want to do this.”
“I’ll wait. You may not come back, but I’ll wait.”
“Stop, Eddie. Don’t do that to me or yourself—“
“I love you. You know I love you, and you know I’m never going to feel this way for someone else so I’ll wait—.”
“I knew you. I knew you, Eddie.” you look back at him and sigh. “Things are different now. We both know that.”
The door opens suddenly and Robin drunken grin transforms into shock, and she rambles. “Oh shit—uh, I’ll..uh, sorry! Jonathan was going to take pictures but—I’ll leave you guys alone or actually, no? Y/N, do you need..help?”
You shake your head and glance at the blonde. “No it’s fine, I was heading back inside right now.”
She clamps her mouth shut and nods, glancing at Eddie then disappearing behind the door. He’s unable to stop crying even you look back at him and glance back down. Unable to make eye contact.
“I should go.”
None of you move at first, the ghost of a goodbye hovering over you both. The inevitable end that you both desperately wished was different, finally making itself known.
You welcome it first, giving him one last smile and softly saying.
“Goodbye Eddie.”
He’s forced to watch you hesitate for a split second before turning around and pushing yourself into the home. Closing the door in his face for the second time.
He stares at the door for a few agonizing seconds before breaking down in your door steps, realizing that you telling him to simply fuck off would have been better than this.
You closed the door and press your forward against the wooden panels, trying to ignore the bleeding that seeped through reopened wounds.
The scars lingering, small what ifs already plotting their place into the back of your mind as you force yourself away from the door, away from Eddie—and back to the party.
—
December 1988
“Eddie! I need you out in the front?” The raspy voice of his insufferable boss, Ted, brings Eddie to roll out from underneath the car he was working on. He lets out a few curses as he sits up, setting down the tools and shouts back.
“I’m busy here, Ted. You deal with it. Didn’t you want me to fix this car before tomorrow morning?”
“I have an important call.” Complete bullshit. “ I have a customer that needs help with her car so get your ass out there.” The older male yells before he makes his way into his small office. He throws his head back and sighs. Of course.
Wiping some grease off his hands, he makes his way out from the back of the shop. He focuses on a certain spot on his wrist as he chirps out, “Fear not, Eddie’s here to fix whatever-“
He stops when he looks up, ready to greet the customer who was facing the other way with his easygoing smile when he’s hit with the sight of a white cardigan. Your head twirling around and his breath catches in his throat, a pathetic sound coming out as a result of it.
Eyes equally as wide, you take in Eddie’s appearance. The dirty blue jump suit hanged off his waist. Grease was not only staining his clothes, but his hands and arms. His hair was still long, something that you couldn’t help but admire, and it was pulled into a half bun.
“Eddie?”
“Y/N?”
You both gawk at each other before you finally tore your eyes away and laugh awkwardly. “Wow. I was kinda hoping I had more time before bumping into you.”
“You’re back.” He states once the shock begins to fade, taking in your appearance. The cardigan is what really floored him. You still had it all this time? He often stayed up at night thinking about whether you kept some of his belongs the same way he did.
One of your forgotten things— a sweater never left it’s place from his closet, never washed in fear that it wouldn’t smell like you again. He often was to afraid to touch it or take it out, afraid he cigarette stained fingers would ruin it.
Eddie continued to stare at you and you smile sheepishly, brushing a strand of hair behind your ear. “Yeah. I’m back.” You chew your bottom lip and shrug. “Hawkins bad luck proves itself again though, my car died right when I got here. Luckily i noticed that there was something new in town..”
You glance around the shop and hug yourself. Eddie stun silence is finally broken as the mention of your car.
“Right. Your car.” He clears his throat. “Uh I’ll check that out for you. Probably the battery or something—“
“Most likely. It’s a piece of junk.” You scoff looking back at your car and kicking one of the wheels. Eddie glances at it and shrugs.
“Nothing compared to mine though.” He whistles, feeling himself began to ease into the light atmosphere. His nerves still had hands trembling.
You snort and follow him to your car, popping the hood open for him and leaning against the car as he begins to check it out. You allow yourself to look down the street, breathing in the cold air and the sight of Hawkins.
Eddie checks the battery. “Jesus how old is this thing?”
“I don’t know.” You raise an eyebrow when Eddie shoots you a look. “What! I’ve never been a car person, you know this.”
“Well I can get you a new battery, the problem is..” he sighs and looks at you. “I’ll have to order one. With how old this piece of shit is—“
“Hey!”
“And it’ll probably take a week.” He finishes, throwing the rag over his shoulder and closing the hood. You groan and slump against the vehicle.
“Great. First day here and I can’t even make it all the way to my house.”
“I can drive you.” He quickly says. “My shift ended 30 minutes, that dickhead just loves having me around so much.”
He rolls his eyes and you can’t stop your own smile from growing. A small pang of hope etching into his chest at the sight. He forgot how much it warmed him up inside. The cold breeze of December had no match against it.
You think for a moment then look back at your car. “You better still have that ugly van because I need space for my suitcases.”
Eddie gasps in offense and holds his heart. “Ugly? You use to say you loved my van?”
“Oops. Secrets out.” You grin before unlocking your trunk and pushing a bag into his arms.
~
“I honestly thought my ears were playing tricks on me when I heard him yell your name.” You muse, watching the trees become a blur out the window. “Because Eddie? A mechanic?”
“Wayne knew the guy.” Eddie explains, trying not to focus too much on the fact that his passenger seat was finally filled again. “Wouldn’t quit until I agreed to work there. It was easy to learn though.”
“Huh.” You shake your head and laughs. “Wasn’t expecting that at all.”
“What? You thought I would be selling drugs my whole life? Besides, no other place wanted to hire me.”
“No.” You frown, sitting up. “That’s not what I meant. I just mean…I guess I expected you to be gone.”
“Gone?” He throws you a questioning look.
“Yeah like..eventually you would have left Hawkins. Maybe decide that corroded coffin would play somewhere else that wasn’t the hide out.”
Eddie goes quiet at that and you get the courage to look at him. His face was soft, sadness swimming in his eyes. “I told you I would wait.”
You’re struck with that conversation that occurred two years ago. Two years since you forced yourself to leave and attempted to forget your first love, and your first heartbreak. A lump grows in your throat and you stare at the road.
“I meant what I said.” He says sadly. “You may have thought I was just saying that. That it was lies but. I waited. Even if I wanted you to leave and be happy, I still wanted to wait. Just in case.”
“In case I came back.” You mumble. “And I did.“
He slows down to a stop in front of your home and you stare at the front door, exhaling. “You know..I didn’t think I would ever miss it. Hawkins. But I did, couldn’t stop even if I was in some expensive school in New York.”
“Are you on winter break?” He asks cautiously, the mention of college making him realize how temporarily this is. “When are you going back?”
You go quiet. He cuts the engine and waits, watching you as you look at him with a half smile.
“I’m not. I dropped out.”
“What?”
“You were right Eds.” Eds. Fuck he missed that. “College isn’t for me, I only did it for my parents and I realized in the beginning of my second year that I couldn’t stand following whatever plan they set out for me.”
“But you wanted to leave Hawkins no matter what—“
“You did too.” You cut in, getting defensive. “You also wanted to leave once, but still stayed. Even when I told you to not do that to yourself. So we’re both idiots who never really left their hometown huh?”
He swallows, not really knowing what to say at first.
“I’m taking it that you dad had an aneurysm.” He half jokes but it hits. You laugh, music to his ears and lean back against the seat.
“Oh yeah. That phone call was not pleasant. I’m sure a lecture is waiting for me.” Your smile is easy as you roll your head to look at him. “I can hear it now. Hear them saying that I proved them once again that I was the family disappointment and my sister would never do such a thing—“
“You’re not a disappointment y/n.” Eddie stops you and your voice gets caught in your throat, struggling to not let the tears brim from the look he throws at you.
All those memories of the same comforting words, the same adoration in his eyes whenever he held you and whispered the same words in your bedroom. It came rushing back and you had to refrain yourself from asking him to kiss things better.
Sure, maybe you healed from the initial heartbreak. But that didn’t mean it didn’t leave a scar, and you were afraid you might break if you continued to be in his presence, and ask him to kiss that scar. To trace it with lazy drawings of stars and sweet whispers.
“I should go.”
Eddie looks away, the same words from two years ago haunting him again, and nods, gripping onto the steering. He lets go to follow you to exit the van, grabbing some of your suitcases and helping to carry it to your porch.
He readies himself for the goodbye you will throw his way, confirmation that this small interacting will be all he will get.
But he didn’t want another goodbye. Not again on the same porch. He promised himself that he would wait, he did and you were back. It had to mean something. He told you that he would try. And he will.
“We still do play at the hide out.” You set down the last bag inside your home, keeping the door open with your foot and tilt your head at this. “Corroded coffin. You were right, never left that stupid bar.”
He chuckles and twirls one of the rings around his finger nervously. “Every Tuesday. Guess that’s something else that didn’t change in Hawkins.”
You blink and he rushes out before he loses the courage. “You should come see us. Tomorrow. We could use the usual critiques, you always were the one who could tell us how to be better and all.”
You hum, “Yeah. Gareth always was off with those drums.” You cough, and shrug. “I’ll see. Maybe I’ll stop by.”
Eddie shoulders deflates and nods, “Okay. Yeah, cool. If you don’t, that’s fine!” He begins stepping down the porch steps. “I’ll give you a call once your cars all ready. You know what, I can even drive it here myself. So uh yeah…”
The bye was ready on his lips, his face grimacing at the thought of going back to that emptiness of his van but you speak up. Flinching as though your mouth spoke before you thought clearly.
“I’ll be ready at 8.”
“..What?”
“Tomorrow.” You step into your home and glance back at him, your face now unreadable. “Your gigs always start at 9 right? Pick me up at 8.”
“Pick you..pick you up..right! Yeah, I’ll pick you up at 8.” He stammers, pulling a strand in front of his face as you raise an eyebrow. “That sounds like a plan. Then I’ll see you tomorrow?”
His voice is hopeful and you could only smile, having missed that boyish demeanor on him. “Yes eddie. I’ll see you tomorrow.” You close the door and sigh, leaning back against it. Hoping that you were making the right decision, hoping he was ready to make up on his promise of doing anything.
Eddie stared at the door, but instead of guilt or heartbreak that usually followed, he was met with hope. Something that grew as he walked back to his van, a bump in his step.
A hope that maybe—there could be a different ending for you and him.
Summary: Being Hawkins most desired cheerleader should be a dream any girl would love to live, but you could only despise the unnecessary title and the hurt that comes with it. Luckily you have your best friend, Eddie, who reminds you that you’re much more than that.
Warnings: Hurt/comfort. Insecurities, typical teenage boy behavior, verbal insults, hint at being pressure into sexual acts, some angst but lots of comfort/fluff from Eddie. Eddie being a complete sweetheart <3
A/N: This was inspired by rewatching Cassie’s episode in euphoria lol. If you want a part 2, please send some thoughts and ideas for it, and I’ll consider it <33 as I did leave it with an open ending. it would help me as this was rushed and in the moment kind of thing, kinda a vent so I have little idea on how to go about it if I continued it.
You could feel most of the soccer teams eyes glancing towards your way as you sat on the bleachers. Hair brushing the side of your cheeks as you stare down at your knees. The green cheerleading skirt only worsened the shivers that ran up your skin from the harsh wind in late September.
Maybe Eddie will let me borrow his jacket..You thought, a soft smile appearing on your lips. His dnd campaign set for after school that day was the only thing you were looking forward to.
Even if your boyfriend—a basketball player you begin dating a few months ago that wouldn’t stop pinning after you— was beside you. His arms sliding around your waist and his eyes boring into you.
“You know, you are literally the most beautiful girl I’ve ever seen..”
It took a lot of effort to not let your smile drop.
That feeling twisting in your stomach. Ryan presses kisses against your cheek, eyes glancing towards the soccer players. It annoyed you. The way his hands gripped onto your waist tightly. His need to show off like everyone didn’t already know you both were together.
“Jesus I’m so lucky to have a girl like you as my girlfriend.” He says smugly.
Some girls outside the field were watching, most likely judging the display of affection. It was annoying. Everything been annoying you these days, really.
“Really..” You ask after a moment, pulling away and brushing his hands off you. “Well what else?”
“What?” He hums distractedly, blinking at you.
“‘A girl like me’, right?” Bottom lip is tugged between your teeth as you squint at him. “Well what else do you like about me? What else makes you lucky?”
There was that slight hesitation that proved enough for you. But you stared at him, waiting patiently. His eyes flutter and his lips part, face twisting in thought.
“Uh..” he drawls, surprised by the tone in your face but he recovers. “I mean, you do have a nice rack so that definitely makes me the luckiest guy on earth.”
He laughs. Proud of himself as if he gave you the most amazing compliment ever. Maybe any other girl would have accepted it; felt flattered, cheeks burning with a blush from the ego boost.
But yours burned in humiliation. That wasn’t anything you wanted to hear.
“You’re such a fucking ass.” You hiss, grabbing your bag that was placed between you feet and shoving him away. Ryan face drops in confusion as he stammers, asking where you were going but you were already halfway down the bleachers.
Flipping him off with good measure, you enjoyed the way some of the players on the field begin laughing. It distracted you from the tears that wanted to break though, but you were not going to let anyone see you cry. You had enough attention on you, you didn’t need to give them more to talk about.
This was the thing. You weren’t all that surprised by the lewd comment, it’s all boys ever said to you since you hit puberty and gained popularity. They focused so much on your outer appearance. Sure it was nice—who wouldn’t want to be complimented on their appearance.
It was hard for you to believe it half the time anyway. The compliments always feeling empty to you.
But there’s times where you would love to talk about..something else. Or hear something else. Anything else.
It’s nice to be able to really talk to someone and be listened to.
Good thing you did have someone like that.
You walk in the dingy theatre room later that day, chaos greeting you and you can’t help but feel your mood lift.
“Look who finally arrived!” Eddie shouts, practically bouncing towards you from across the room and pulling you into a bear hug. “These sheep were getting antsy, were afraid we were going to finish the campaign with out you.”
The idea had your heart swell. The knowledge that your presence was always wanted by the club; the members always excitedly chatting your ear off when they ran into you in hallways never ceased to make you into a soft mess.
“I guess you’re the one that’s antsy now huh?” You tease, pulling away from the hug and raising an eyebrow at him. “Now that I’m here, I’m going to kick ass and embarrass you out of your DM title.”
“Low blow princess.” He whistles, rolling his eyes at your confidence. “But me? Disappointed that you’re here? Never. How dare you speak such a concept.” His grin widens, patting your head. “Who else can I count on to show the sheep how it’s done?”
“Show what exactly.” You laugh, pushing his hand away from your hair.
“Don’t get all humble on me now. You’re the fearless and bold one here, even when the games gone to shit.” He leans in and whispers. “Don’t tell Dustin, but you’re definitely the best player out of all of them.”
Your face flushes. This wasn’t from humiliation or anger for once that day. It was stupid, he was simply being his usual self. Always knowing what to say to make others feel at good and comfortable around him.
But that trait never failed to make you feel a warmth blossom in your chest. Fearless. It was small. A random comment that no one would act so crazy about but you loved it. The small things he pointed out about you, always tucked away in the back of your mind to look back on when you stayed awake at night.
It felt good. You were fearless. Even if it stemmed from your reckless decisions on a fantasy game.
“Besides, they can’t survive the last part of the campaign without your lucky rolls.” He winks then notices that you didn’t have your usual zip up sweater over your Hawkins cheer top. “Jesus, you trying to get hypothermia?”
He’s already shrugging off his leather jacket before you can explain that you forgot in your rush this morning, Ryan’s impatience not giving you any time .
It’s thrown over your shoulders. “Did you forget we are smacked in the middle of shithole Indiana and not a sunshine state? You are not getting sick under my watch—“
You sigh loudly, accepting the warmth you been craving all day. Boyfriend forgotten.
“Thanks Eds.” You smile softly and he softens, deciding to save his scolding for another time.
—
“I never once doubted how smart you are, sweets.” Eddie states confidently, seeming happy at the news of your break up with Ryan later that week.
Smart.
You snort and cross your arms, hoping the lack of light in his living room was enough to hide your bashful smile. “Not that smart. I dated the idiot for 3 months before coming to my senses.”
“What pushed it?” He finally asks. Attention no longer on the film playing on the small tv, not even the revving of leather face’s chainsaw draws his attention back.
You shift uncomfortably and shrug. The thin blanket he threw over both your laps felt soft between your fingers that’s been tugging on a loose thread.
“He didn’t..understand me, I guess?” You frown and glance to the side at him. “He was like any other asshole whose life revolves around throwing balls into laundry baskets.”
Eddie lip tugs up in amusement at your reference to his rant from days before, nodding along. You felt proud at the reaction. Encouraging you to continue so you do. It was easy to open up; to talk to him.
“I mean really, what was I thinking?” You giggle, throwing your head back against the sofa and staring up at the ceiling. “He didn’t even know who Ozzy was! Or like, never even heard of a Stephen king book! I don’t think he’s read a book at all..”
“Christ, what is up with these people?” Eddie gasps dramatically, pushing your shoulder softly. “Stephen King? Really? Do they live under a rock?”
“I know !” You groan, shoving him back which resulted in you laughing loudly at him acting like he was shot instead of your weak attempt at moving him.
“How the hell does someone not know what Carrie is?” You complain . “It’s only one of the best books ever. Stephen King did an amazing job at capturing that whole teenage girl angst, ya know?”
“Eh, I still think Pet Cemetery is his best.” He replies.
“Cmon Eds, over a book about a girl with telekinesis?”
“Sweetheart, how the hell does that beat a damn little dead kid trying to murder his family?”
“Eds, it was stupid.”
“It was hilarious!”
“Okay, but the ending of Carrie is wayyy more satisfying. Killing all her asshole classmates?” You snort, barely noticing the way you both scooted closer together and both turned on your sides to face each other. “Shit, I would too if someone poured pigs blood on me. God that’s disgusting.”
“Hm you have a point.” He grins, his eyes never leaving yours. “I heard he’s coming out with a new book this year. Suppose to be a real scary one.”
“Really?”
“Yeah, was thinking we can drive out to that one bookstore a few towns over once it releases.” He proposes, tugging his hair in front of his lips. “Some signed copies will be there.”
“Oh we have to !” You smile excitedly before rambling. “I still need to buy a copy of Cujo, but I don’t know if I like the idea of reading about a rapid dog. What if it dies in the end? Well, it is Stephen King so it’ll probably be a better ending than that..”
Eddie’s eyes continued to stay on you, head tilted against his hand that was propped up on the top of the couch; listening.
There was no subtle glances towards any other part of you. His eyes shining with genuine interest and listening. No loud sighs that would shut you up whenever you accidentally talked too much around past dates. No annoyed expression at the fact that there was space between you two.
Eddie actually wanted your presence, actually wanted to hear your stupid ideas and opinions. Days spend with him meant you could let go of this perception that was held from you as Hawkins favorite cheerleader.
He would never truly realize how happy you were with him.
Or about the crush you kept a secret. Or the fact that you accepted he would never see you in that way either. He never once acted the way other boys at school did with you, so you could only guess..he didn’t like you that way.
Which was perfectly fine, you were still happy. Knowing that you had a best friend who didn’t hold this standard to you or saw you as a piece of meat.
It was nice.
“You know..” You whisper after a moment, leaning your head to the side on the couch. Sighing, “I feel like…every guy I date is the same”
“What do you mean?” He asks quietly, worry swimming in his eyes.
“I mean..” You frown. “I keep thinking they’ll turn out to be some Prince Charming like those romantic interests in most cheesy movies. But they all turn out to be dickheads.”
“Because they are dickheads. They never deserved you.” He reassures, reaching under the blanket and grabbing your hand.
“What if you’re wrong” You say quickly, speaking before he could rebuttal. “I mean. What if it’s not them that’s wrong. It’s me? It always turns out the same. So maybe..I’m not..good enough?”
“Nope. No no no.” Eddie shakes his head quickly and shoots you a warning look. “You are not going to speak like that around me. This is crazy. Unacceptable.”
“But Eddie—“
“No buts!” He groans and rubs his face. “Seriously y/n, how can you say that? You’re more than enough. And if those assholes can’t see that. That’s on them. Not you.”
You stay quiet. He sighs and makes you look at him, tilting your chin up with his other hand.
“Look at me.” He cups your cheek. “Have I ever lied to you?”
You shake your head hesitantly and he continues.
“So listen to me when I tell you. You’re fucking amazing and anyone would be lucky to have you, to be your Prince Charming and I do not want you to be selling yourself short, understand me?”
His sternness makes it hard for you to disagree so you nod along. “Okay. Good. Gooood?” He tilts his head and throws you a look.
You giggle at that, relaxing and leaning forward to place your head on his shoulder. If only he knew how much you wanted him to be your Prince Charming.
Instead, you allow yourself to bask in the relaxed atmosphere the rest of the night, holding his hand under the blanket as you fell asleep with your head leaned against his shoulder.
—
You regretted bringing Eddie along to the Halloween party you had been invited too.
You usually hated these parties but your friends kept begging you to go. Something about everyone expecting you to be there, blah blah blah. Whatever comes with the stupid popularity you managed to grow simply from joining the cheerleading squad.
The plan was to make him some extra cash. The partygoers being too drunk or hyped on the fact that it was Halloween to care that they were buying drugs from Eddie ‘The Freak’ Munson. He was hidden behind a Jason ski mask anyway so it made you more at ease that he wouldn’t be targeted.
It was also so he could be with you. By your side most of the night, even if that meant staying in the corner of the house the whole night.
But it seemed that there was someone else that was interested in him way past than the drugs he was selling. One of your friends—not really a friend, more of someone you were stuck talking to during cheer practice—had convinced him to take a few shots in the kitchen.
Her loud giggling and faint hand brushes against his shoulder pushed you to take another swing of the mixed drink in your hand. Eddie was blushing at the attention.
Eddie was no stranger to sweet talking people though, so it was no surprise to see her blush at something he said right after.
You shouldn’t be jealous, but you were. The bitter taste of vodka wasn’t enough to distract you from the sour emotion that twisted in your chest, stuck with watching the scene play out from afar.
“Nice costume.” You look to your right and spot Tommy leaning against the wall. “Camp counselor..that one slasher movie right? The guy with that huge knife.”
“A machete.” A giggle escaped you, probably a result from the many drinks you had chugged down. “Uh but thanks, not many people knew what my costume was referencing too.”
It was funny. Everyone thought you were dressed up simply as a random camp counselor even though ‘Crystal Lake Camp Counselor” was spelled out on the tight white shirt you wore, along with fake blood splatters across it. You tug down the orange shorts when his eyes flicker to your exposed legs.
“Who hasn’t watched Friday the 13th?” He rolls his eyes and takes a sip from his drink. You glance at the freckles that painted the top of his nose and cheeks. Tommy was cute, a past asshole, but still cute. He stopped messing with Eddie once you made it very clear to everyone that he was your best friend.
What he hasn’t stopped was making his interest towards you abundantly clear. The whole week had consisted of him stirring up random conversations; whether be it in classes you both shared or when he caught you in the hallway.
They weren’t half bad conversations either. Like the one you indulged with him right now, his thoughts on the Jason franchise intriguing you and you can’t help but laugh when he admits he was more terrified of Michael.
He watches you laugh and smiles down at you. “Wow, you’re the most beautiful girl I’ve ever seen.”
The smile is completely wiped off from your face and you look down at your drink. Right. Didn’t Ryan say that too ?
“Hey-“ he interrupts your thoughts and attention on your drink. “Wanna head upstairs? Get away from all this mess and loud music. And you know..talk some more?”
You weren’t stupid. You knew what that meant. But one glance towards Eddie and the girl twirling a strand of hair between her fingers as she whispered something in his ear, made up the decision for you.
—
Maybe you were stupid.
At first you both were talking about the funny costumes you came across on the way to one of the empty bedrooms. You got a bit hopeful that maybe he really wanted to just..talk to you? His small confession about liking you for a long time only increasing that hope.
But then he began kissing you. You tried to lose yourself in the kiss, pushing Eddie to the back of your mind but he kept coming up. The question if he was looking for you right now floating around.
Eventually, his hand came up to roughly grip the back of your hair. His other hand reaching towards his belt and you pulled away, feeling disgusted.
“Tommy..” you sigh, looking away.
“Come on..” he whispers, tilting your head towards him. “I meant when I said really like you.”
“I know. I just...I feel really drunk.” You slur, wishing that Eddie was looking for you and can save you from this. You really wanted to go to his trailer and spend the night watching horror movies again. “Maybe we can hang out another time. Or even a real date. We can go—“
“Seriously?” That sweet demeanor from the past week was wiped off his face. Replaced by an ugly scowl. “Who the fuck do you think you are?”
You blink in surprise, voice coming out small. “What?”
“‘Hang out’ ?” he scoffs. “You think I’m here because I’m interested in you?”
“But..we—you been talking to me all week. I thought..”
“All I want to do is fuck you, y/n. I don’t care what you have to say or what you think about things. God. You are so fucking boring.”
Boring.
Tommy continued to glare at you, not caring for the tears that were threatening to fall. You feel at lost for words and he takes advantage of that.
“Let me completely honest with you princess. Since no one will. No guy at Hawkins is interested in you besides fucking you. You’re only the ran through cheerleader that puts up an innocent act, but everyone knows you’re a slut and are waiting up for their turn—“
You get up quickly. Heart thumping against your chest as you try to hold in the tears. You didn’t want to cry when the words were so true. Everything that you feared, that haunted you every fucking moment since you let yourself fall into the attention that came with being ‘desired’, was finally confirmed.
“—Even that freak you hang out with all the time.” This stops you in your tracks and your hand clenches around the bedroom’s doorknob. “You don’t think he’s waiting for his turn?”
Loud music greets you once you finally push yourself out into the hallway. Your feet stumbling as you ignore some looks thrown your way as you make your way towards the kitchen. You needed Eddie to take you away from here so you could cry, have him hug you and remind you that no—what Tommy said wasn’t true.
You weren’t boring right? Were you really not that interesting?
Eddie didn’t see you that way too, right?
The kitchen was empty, no sign of him. The room was feeling smaller, chest constricting as you continue to search for the familiar mop of curly hair but no sign.
Was he with that girl? Maybe they also went to an empty bedroom.
The tears were beginning to fall. Shit.
Did he leave? Forget about you?
Skin buzzing from the alcohol, you couldn’t think straight. Tommy’s cruel words and reality check repeating as you try desperately to hold in your crying.
Cold hair greets you as you open the slide door that leads to the backyard, ignoring the way many people glanced your way as you made your way towards the pool. No one was inside because of how cold it was.
They continued to stare and you hated it. Tommy was right. Did you really think you were anymore than the title placed on you? All those things Eddie said, those small yet meaningful compliments weren’t true at all.
Everyone saw you the same. Another cheerleader that guys wanted a piece of and girls wanted to be. You were so fucking tired of it. You were nothing special, you always told yourself that. But it still hurt badly.
You really needed to cry.
You don’t think twice before jumping into the pool. You didn’t care; or was too drunk to care. It didn’t matter. You let yourself sink into the bottom, wrapping your arm around your knees.
The freezing water barely registered in your mind.
You’re the most beautiful girl I’ve ever seen.
God, you are so fucking boring.
No guy is interested in you besides fucking you.
You really were stupid.
Your face scrunches up as an ugly sob finally rips itself through your throat. Air bubbles floating up to the surface as you continued to let out soundless sobs. All the disappointment and shame flowing out of you, the water swallowing every insecurity as you cry it out.
Boring. Boring. God, who did you think you were? Nothing more than a fuck. Nothing more.
You weren’t special at all. Nothing more.
Something breaks the surface of the water beside you. Hands grab at your arms from behind and you’re pulled up just as your body was beginning to beg for air.
You gasp as Eddie pulls you out of the water and out of the pool, his own panicked pants mixing with yours as he holds you against him.
“What the fuck y/n! are you fucking insane? How much did you drink-“ he stops once your sobs register in his ears. Your trembling hands clutching the front of the dark green button down. “Sweetheart? Hey hey..”
You continued to cry, shaking your head. Maybe it was a good thing that every was watching. They could see that you were a fucking mess. Something else slapped onto the titles that followed you around.
“I want to go home Eds.” You sniff, rubbing at the running mascara on your cheeks. “I-I can’t, I need to go.”
“Okay, okay. I’ll take you home. We’ll go home.” He takes off the button up and wraps it around you, a desperate attempt to help with the shakes that racked your body. He pulls to stand and pushes his way to the exit, cussing at anyone that was in his way.
Eddie helps you inside his van, before quickly getting inside himself and starting the ignition. You couldn’t stop crying, painful sobs filling the van.
“Baby—sweetheart, you need to tell what’s wrong.” His hands tighten around the steering wheel, attempting to pay attention to the road and you at the same time. Voice rising in panic, “I-I need you to talk to me. Did you hurt yourself? Fuck—did someone hurt you?”
You shake your head, squeezing your eyes shut. Breath hitching as you push yourself to speak. “Eddie, you wouldn’t use me right? I’m not just somebody you’re waiting to fuck?”
Eddie’s expression breaks.
“What?“ He presses on the brake a little to hard at the stop sign. You grab onto your seat and avoid looking at his face. “What-what the fuck are you talking about?“
“I just want to make sure you don’t see me the way everyone talks about me.” You grit through your teeth, sinking into your seat.
“I—no! Jesus, no.” He stammers, a honk behind him pressuring him to continue driving even though he wants to reach over and force you to look at him. “No. I’m not using you—what?”
“Okay.”
You shut down for the rest of the ride, allowing yourself to believe him. Eddie wouldn’t lie to you. It’s the only thought that brings comfort for now. A few silent tears continued to escape.
—
“We should have gone trick or treating with the freshman.” You mumble, allowing for Eddie to dry your hair with a towel as you sat on the edge of his bed. His sweatpants and hoodie replacing your wet costume.
You sobered up a bit.
Eddie doesn’t respond to that. He kneels in front of you. His first priority was to get you to his trailer and get warm. Your shivering had stopped, along with your tears. The only sign of what happened was the occasional sniffs and your reddened eyes.
He stares at you for a while before trusting himself to speak.
“We need to talk about it.”
“Do we?” You mumble, watching Eddie throw the towel to the ground in frustration. You flop back onto the bed and cover your face, feeling guilty.
“I just want to understand.” He says after a moment. “You disappeared on me, and as I’m looking for you, I find you at last second before you try drowning yourself.”
“I wasn’t trying to drown-“ you sit up at that.
“Then, you’re fucking crying and it fucking scares me even more, I thought—shit, I thought maybe you were hurt! Then you ask me the most ridiculous questions and fucking go quiet on me.” He tugs on his hair. “Now you act like nothing happened and talk about trick or treating?”
You take a shaky breath, bottom lip quivering as you recall Tommy’s angered rant. He notes this, the anger disappearing in a second and sits himself next to you, wrapping his arm around your shoulder and pulling you closer to him.
“I’m sorry..I’m just trying not to cry over it again. it was stupid to do I know. Im stupid-“
“Hey.” He scolds and you rub at your eyes.
“It’s true Eddie..”
“Seriously, what happened?” He urges, grabbing your shoulders and making you look at him. “What’s making you act like this?”
A harsh laugh forces it’s way past your lips and you shake your head, feeling so stupid again. “Tommy. He..did you know I’m fucking boring?”
Eddie face twist in confusion. “What?”
“Tommy was trying to get me to have sex with him.” You close your eyes, Eddie tensing beside you. “And uh, I rejected it, told him that I was too drunk and he flipped out on me. Said a lot of mean things. That I was boring and he was never actually interested me, interested in anything I had to say..”
You snort but it transforms into a whimper. “I don’t know why I was surprised. Of course he was only nice to me at school for that. He said that every guy only is nice to me so they can get in my pants..”
Eddie grabs both your hands and rubs your knuckles gently with his finger. Eyes downcast as he sadly says, “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have left your side tonight. I should have been there.”
“Don’t say sorry Eds. You were having fun.” You reassure. “Besides, I needed that reality check. He wasn’t wrong-“
“You can’t seriously believe what Tommy said was true, do you? Nothing he said is true!”
“Well..” you frown and shrug. “I don’t know.maybe that’s all I got going for me. My body and my looks, nothing else? I should be happy with that, anyone would but-“ you look down at your hands. “I wish I was more.”
“You are.” He whispers, heart aching as the sight of you looking so defeated. “Jesus y/n, so are so much fucking more than that. You..you’re fucking smart, smarter than anyone I’ve met. I wouldn’t have passed any of my classes if you didn’t tutor me.”
You glance up at him as he continues.
“And those poems you’ve showed me before? their so beautifully written, no one else knows how their way with words the way you do.” Your ears burn and you struggle making eye contact.
“You’re fucking hilarious, I don’t think I laughed harder with anyone besides you. My days are made better by you simply talking to me, telling me about your day or whatever thoughts cross that mind of yours.”
“Really?” You sniff, tears escaping again. The thought that he likes talking to you as much as you did with him, you could cry all over again.
“Why do you think I force you to listen to new vinyls I buy? Because you always have a way of interpreting the music different than me. And I love hearing what you have to say about it..” he exhales and glances to the side. “Tommy’s a fucking idiot if he doesn’t want to hear what you have to say because anyone with a brain knows what a blessing it is to be around you.”
“Eddie..I..” you struggle and he shakes his head.
“The kids..they also adore you. You should see the way they look up to you. I mean, I’m pretty sure you’ve taken mine and Steves spot in being Dustin’s favorite.” He grins and brushes your behind your ear. “Even Max tolerates you.”
“Max?” You gasp. “Okay now, I think you’re going a bit too far.”
“It’s true, sweets.” He snorts. “Don’t tell her though because I dont think I can handle another skateboard thrown at me.”
“I won’t.” The tension has left your body and you looked more relaxed, playing with his rings. “But..you really think all that?”
“Yes and there’s way more I can list out. Whatever Tommy said..it’s bullshit. You’re amazing y/n. And No one can compare to you.”
You throw your arms around his neck, climbing onto his lap. He hugs you back, running his fingers through your hair as he soothes the small cries you let out.
“There is one thing I’ll say, one of the most utterly important things they’re missing out on is..” He gives you an exaggerated dreamy look when he pulls back to level your face with his.
Fingers wiping away a tear before he grins, “—Is that can make a cook up a real mean mac and cheese.”
“Oh my god.” You laugh and push his face to the side, unable to hold down your own grin spreading on your face. “Is this your way of telling me you’re hungry?”
“Maybe.” He hums, grabbing your wrist and sliding down his hand to intertwine your fingers again. You roll your eyes but lean against him. His words managed to kick away any of those ugly doubts and insecurity Tommy had managed to force through the cracks.
“Remember when you told me about how I’ll eventually find my prince charming?”
“Mhmm. Maybe he isn’t in shitty Hawkins, but—“
“He is, though.” You tighten your hand around his. “Eddie. You’re my prince charming. You’re the only person who listens to me, actually listens. And I only ever feel myself with you.”
Eddie freezes, taking it in. His face softens and he looks away. “Yeah?”
You nod. Maybe he wasn’t a Prince Charming in the way you wanted. With a barrier between a platonic relationship and a romantic one, but—
You’ll deal with that small heartache for now.
“Yeah.” A small kiss is placed on his cheek hesitantly before you pull away. Pale cheeks redden from the contact and he clears his throat.
He glances at the shy smile you throw at him, and he smiles back.
“Well uh..I will happily be your Prince Charming then.” He states once he recovers. You both stare at each other for a few seconds longer, an invisible tension growing.
He breaks the eye contact first, clearing his throat and glancing at the clock near his bedside. “It’s still pretty early. Dustin did say they were staying out until midnight.”
You grin as he snatches the ski mask that was thrown on the floor and jumps up. He holds his hand out.
“So miss camp counselor, shall we go look for those rowdy children that you should been have supervising? I’m sure their hitting the jackpot in Steve’s neighborhood right now.”
“Oh yeah, maybe we can scare them with that big machete of yours into giving us their bags of candy.” You giggle, letting him pull you up. Eddie laughs and throws his head back.
“That’s evil.” He smirks and grabs the prop machete from you. “No wonder you’re Jason’s favorite camp counselor. He’ll spare you for tonight.”
“Not exactly one anymore, I don’t even have the costume Eds.” You mention at the baggy clothes on you and whine. “Pretty sure it’s a crime to go out there just in this.”
The mask is quickly placed on your head, the elastic snapping against the back of it before he rotated the mask around. Placing it to hang off the back of your head and fixes the strands of hair he messed up.
He cups your cheeks and nods, looking content. “You upgraded to Jason now. I’ll go pour ketchup on myself and we can pretend I’m your murder victim. Should you have sliced my neck open or my stomach?”
“Idiot, don’t dirty that sweater. I bought it.” You huff,rolling your eyes. “Now cmon, let’s go before someone else steals candy from them.”
“Lead the way then, princess.” Eddie tilts his body and you laugh, grabbing his arm and pulling him with you. The excitement of eating candy and overall ease that comes with being with Eddie allowing you to forget everything that happened tonight.
Got my stupid feelings hurt by another failed friendship/relationship so I started writing an Eddie x introvert reader type of fic ((: PURE FLUFF THIS TIME GUYS
